27th June 2023

Contract for Iceland Health for the services of specialist doctors signed

Iceland Health and the Reykjavík Medical Association have reached an agreement on the services of specialised physicians. The agreement is a long-term agreement for 5 years, and the agreement will take full effect on 1 September 2023.

The agreement promotes a significant reduction in the public's contribution to the service of medical specialists and provides a strengthened framework for the activities of medical specialists, contributing both to the development of the service and to its increased accessibility.

The agreement increases the funding for the services of specialist doctors by 4.2 billion ISK per year, the main part of which is due to price and wage developments. Increased participation by Iceland Health in the cost of the service leads to lower costs for patients, since surcharges that have been imposed on the service in recent years are waived. ISK per year. The agreement provides great public benefits and ensures equal access to the services of medical specialists irrespective of the economy. The agreement puts an end to the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by the lack of agreement in recent years, but specialist doctors have been without a contract since January 2019.

During the term of the agreement, various collaborative projects will be undertaken, aiming to strengthen the framework of the activities of specialist doctors with the aim of increasing services to patients and ensuring that the activities of specialist doctors reflect the rapid development of medical science. The agreement provides an array of new elements to support this, including, in particular, incentives for physicians to work within so-called quality professionals, promote improved access to services and support interdisciplinary teamwork. A consultation committee will also be established between parties from Iceland Health and the Reykjavík Medical Association, which will work together on a comprehensive service and cost analysis and regular review of the tariff. The contract is intended to support the advancement of the services of medical specialists with a particular emphasis on innovation, digital development and telehealth services.

Willum Þór Þórsson, Minister of Health:

This agreement is a turning point. Ensuring good and equal access to these important medical services regardless of the economy is a great joy and in accordance with government policy. This is a negotiated agreement that is well settled. The future is to be encouraged and consultation between all parties strengthened so that the health service can be developed in keeping with the needs of society.

Sigurður Helgi Helgason, director of Iceland Health, said:

The contract of Iceland Health with specialist physicians is a major milestone, but as everyone knows that specialist doctors have been out of contract since 2019. The role of Iceland Health is to promote improved quality of life through access to quality and safe healthcare services. The agreement reduces the cost to those who need to seek specialist services, which is extremely positive. The agreement also contains many new features that will deliver more efficient services and improve accessibility. Iceland Health will thank physician representatives for their effective cooperation in the awarding of a new contract. I would like to thank the staff of Iceland Health for their great and good contributions.

Ragnar Freyr Ingvarsson, Chairman of the Reykjavík Medical Association:

This contract is for our patients, for the people of this country. This is an agreement to ensure access to important, efficient and extensive medical services. This agreement provides opportunities for the further development of health services in cooperation with IcelanIceland Health and my colleagues on the negotiating committee for their good cooperation.