Danish Minister Sophie Løhde Visits Greenland to Strengthen Health Cooperation
Today, Sophie Løhde, Denmark’s Minister of the Interior and Health, embarks on an important visit to Greenland aimed at fostering future collaboration in health care between the two regions. The agenda is both pressing and significant, highlighting the vital areas that require attention in the Greenlandic healthcare system.
A key stop on her itinerary will be a meeting with Anna Wangenheim, the Naalakkersuisut’s Minister for Health and Persons with Disabilities. Together, they will address crucial topics such as access to treatment in Denmark and the numerous challenges facing the healthcare landscape in Greenland.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry of the Interior and Health detailed Løhde’s planned discussions during this pivotal trip.
Addressing the Legacy of the Spiral Case
Among the notable aspects of her visit, Løhde will meet with several Greenlandic women affected by the so-called spiral case, who received a formal apology last September from both the Danish Prime Minister and the chairman of the Naalakkersuisut.
In this context, she and Wangenheim will outline the next steps to provide financial compensation for the affected women through a reconciliation fund proposed by the Danish government.
“While we cannot undo the injustices that the Greenlandic girls and women have endured, we must take accountability. That’s why they’ve received an unequivocal apology and why the government is committed to providing individual financial compensation,” Løhde noted in the press release.
Improving Access to Healthcare
The minister’s agenda also includes discussions on how to enhance access to health services for Greenlandic patients in Denmark, as well as efforts to ensure better staffing within the Greenlandic healthcare system.
Part of her visit will involve a trip to Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk, where she will examine the hospital’s ongoing challenges, particularly concerning cancer and diabetes treatments.
Additionally, Løhde will travel to the settlement of Atammik and the town of Maniitsoq, providing her with a broader perspective on health services beyond the capital.
“The Greenlandic healthcare system is facing significant hurdles, and the local government is dedicated to developing healthcare services for the benefit of its citizens,” Løhde commented.
This visit comes on the heels of a recent framework agreement worth DKK 1.6 billion between Denmark and Greenland, set to span the period from 2026 to 2029. This agreement aims to enhance welfare in Greenland and fortify support for Greenlandic patients receiving treatment in Danish hospitals.
As Løhde’s visit unfolds, it promises to be a substantial step towards fostering better healthcare cooperation and addressing the urgent needs of the Greenlandic population.