Norway cuts hospital waiting lists:

Hospital waiting times have fallen dramatically in Norway due to a focus campaign by the government, claims the ministry of health. Those treated between January and April 2001 waited an average of 77 days, 10% less than the previous four months, but only a 3% improvement on the same period last year. The number of people waiting for hospital treatment has also fallen by 5% compare with the same period last year, to some 264,000 patients. This comes despite an increase of 7% in the number of patients referred for treatment. Health minister Tore Tcentnne acknowledges that too many people are still on waiting lists, but adds that his ministry is looking at means of increasing the health budget as well as making the system itself more efficient. "The figures show we are moving in the right direction," he said.