Norwegian Physician Market Policy

Abstract

I discuss what the government can do and hasdone to reach its equity-oriented policy targetsconcerning the geographical distribution ofphysicians in the municipality health service.Current policies has been inadequate to solve theproblems. Securing an adequate supply ofphysicians seems to be a cruical policy tool.Forecasts in the 80s mistakenly predicted a futureoversupply of physicians. The education capacitywas reduced. The physician shortage was severeduring the 1990s. The forecasts used in planningtoday are based on dubious assumptions. Costbenefitanalyses with a risk averseness perspectivecan provide more suitable information fordeciding what the education capacity forphysicians should be.