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Adapting to the Norwegian health system.

One of the cultural differences that are most challenging for foreigners is health system. Norwegian health system is quite different from South America and Philippines’ systems, for example.

In our homeland, we grow up being taken care in a way we learn is the best way. Be that drinking homemade herb tea or getting the pharmacy deliver antibiotics. We grow up and get used to that system. Our logical reasoning is attached to that system.

I got a message from an immigrant that was confused and disappointed with the Norwegian health system. She said she believes the Norwegian health system works in a way that it feels like they don’t trust us patients. She asked me to give my opinion.

Trust X No Trust

She said she’s always heard that Norwegian culture is based on trust. People rely on what you say. If you’re sick you let you boss know and you should stay at home. For as long as three days, you don’t need a doctor’s attest, they TRUST you’re telling the truth.

What it comes to doctor’s appointment, we call the secretary first. She does the screening and decides if you need to see the doctor and when. Usually, they recommend that we stay at home, rest and check if we feel better first. After around three days, if the symptoms persist, we contact the doctor and can have an appointment. What happened to her is that she felt like you need to prove to them that you have tried long enough by yourself, as if they don’t trust you when you say you’re not well. Her homeland thought would be: Lack of trust.

Well, let’s examine Norwegian culture first.

In Norway, there’s few people compared to the size of the country. The population is quite spread over isolated places. Most families come originally from farmers and fishermen. How can a farmer living in an isolated place, take care of their seven children? Can they afford to stop working so that they can travel 2 hours to the nearest doctor? It’s easier to try at home first. This way, the Norwegian society has implemented its system: You’re feeling sick, you stay at home, get some rest, drink a lot of fluids, wait a little to get better. After a while (3 days) if the symptoms persist (like fever) then you go to the doctor. This way, our body does what it’s build to do: heal itself. In Norway, doctors are for sick people. Some symptoms like some virus tend to disappear in a few days, by themselves. It’s not considered a sickness.

The same happens what it comes to giving birth. And I have written a post specifically about it https://makingnorwaymyhome.com/gratulerer-du-er-gravid-i-norge-fra-en-utlendings-erfaring/

In Brazil, most people live in crowded cities. There’s a doctor next door. Our country was build by slaves and masters. We always count on somebody else to take care of us (wash, cook, babysit, deliver our babies, give pills). You’re sick, you call the doctor immediately and you’re probably gonna be given some medicine.

Those who grew up in a culture like the latin one, may see Norwegian health system with skepticism.

When in Rome, do as Romans do.

Well, my way to adapt to the Norwegian health system is:

  1. Follow the rules, but most of all, follow your instincts. If something feels wrong, call for help, explain.
  2. Know that it takes some time to get into the system,(like for allergy treatment), but once you get in, it’s excellent. I feel well taken care of.
  3. For the system to reach every citizen, everybody needs to compromise a little. My impression is that Norwegian Public Health Care System is one of the bests I know.
  4. No system in perfect.
  5. Remember that you can change fastlege (your physician) up to three times a year. So if you don’t feel a good connection, get another doctor.
  6. An alternative is private health care: you pay and guarantee some fast access to surgeries and some treatments.
  7. I confess that I secretly have a little pharmacy at home. (Not antibiotics, just fever and allergy medicines for a rainy day).

Understanding how the Norwegian culture works helps us to live better.

If you are an immigrant in Norway or have immigrant friends, please share this post with other immigrants. It may be helpful for many others.

Special thanks to my friend who shared her important story with me.

Wanna share your feelings and stories with me? Write to me. I’m available on Instagram, Facebook, and my e-mail is: [email protected]

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