[Physicians manpower in Norway. Should we increase the enrollment to medical schools?].

The supply of doctors has been estimated for the period 1979-2000. The number of graduates from Norwegian medical schools has declined from 380 to about 320 a year. Similarly, the number of Norwegians with a degree in medicine from abroad has declined from 170 to 50 per year, whereas doctors of another nationality are increasing. Over the past two years they have accounted for 25% of the supply of new doctors. The total supply of doctors increased till the mid-1980s, but has since declined. It is anticipated that the decline will continue, and that factors such as retirement will reduce the net supply over the next decade. The study concludes that the lack of doctors is likely to persist. It is proposed that enrollment to Norwegian medical schools be increased. This increase should preferably take place at the three "peripheral" medical schools (Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø) so as to alleviate vacancy problems in peripheral districts of Norway.