Health in Greenland

Health in Greenland

The healthcare system in Greenland is a publicly financed governmental responsibility managed by the Agency for Health and Prevention. Greenland took over responsibility for the health care system from Denmark in 1992.

Healthcare in Greenland faces significant challenges, including a high infant mortality rate and high rates of death due to unnatural causes, particularly suicides and accidents.

Healthcare

In 2006, healthcare in Greenland cost 938 million Danish kronor, equivalent to 2,219 euros per person, with almost all funding coming from the public sector. Health care expenditure accounts for over 18 percent of government spending. Queen Ingrid's Hospital receives approximately 28 percent of the budget, while 12 percent is allocated to specialist treatments outside Greenland, including specialized psychiatric wards for serious criminal offenders. Additionally, six percent of the total budget is dedicated to transportation for patients with acute injuries or illnesses. Each district has a small hospital, and health clinics are available in every village. Most elective surgeries are performed at Queen Ingrid's Hospital. However, recruiting clinical staff, especially for remote areas, remains a challenge.

Private healthcare services are not available in Greenland, but private dental care, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and treatment for alcohol and drug abuse can be found in Nuuk.