The economic collapse at the end of 2008 shook the world and we Icelanders were hit hard. The causes of the collapse are still debated, but we feel its consequences on our own skin every day. As a result, managers were changed and many believed that they would stand guard, for the benefit of the country and the people. Another thing has happened. Anguish, anger and hopelessness grows daily and nowhere to see the sun.
Priority?
The authorities have accepted billions of ISK in donations for a project, which their citizens consider to be far from useless. This includes negotiations with the European Union, the construction of a music hall, which large nations with millions of inhabitants would not think of building, let alone running. The operation of a foreign service which is in no way in accordance with the size and economic capacity and needs of the nation. Payments for sitting on the board of a company owned by the state, which is equal to a month's salary payments to the lowest paid, even though the board seat requires four hours of work per month at the highest level. At the same time, the government enforces the service that most of the country's citizens pay the most for, ie. the health service. Was this what the household revolution wanted? No, I say!
The country is shaking!
At the beginning of October, the country's citizens debated the draft budget, and it can be said that only then did the tremors of collapse begin, with no end in sight.I allow myself to state that never in my memory has another similar enforcement been done to a residence outside the capital area.. It hurts to know that such ideas ignite in the camps of the ?Nordic welfare government?. Few of her supporters probably expected such a man-made disaster. During the festive season, politicians beat their chests and praised the Icelandic healthcare system, which is now to be cut down to a trough in one fell swoop. Fortunately, the ?flagship? Landspítalin, but there is a medical staff on board with the knowledge and experience of the best that happens in the world. Landspítalinn is like an island dependent on imports and exports. That's how it has been and that's how it should be. Now there are flashes in the air, and there is a risk that both its entrances and exits will be blocked, as the budget proposal will actually close the rural hospitals. Until now, they have sent patients after diagnosis and preparation in the district, for specialized operations and treatment to Landspítalinn and then accepted them for follow-up treatment. This has led to targeted work (collaboration) and probably saved large sums of money.
A health care hospital?
All the fuss about health care hospitals makes me sad to know that members of parliament should buy such a thing. Light in the darkness are, however, the powerful statements of members of parliament from the administration, who do not support this attack on the countryside and the country as a whole. Those who are still fond of this idea of a health care hospital must answer the question of conscience, do they know exactly what is going on there? I urge them and everyone involved in these matters to think carefully and to study the issues thoroughly and to deal with them with consideration and moderation for the benefit of all of us. Only in that way can a major earthquake in the governing council be avoided. (previously published in Mbl. 15.10.2010)
Þorsteinn Jóhannesson, chief physician of Fjörðungssúkrahús in Ísafjörður.
