Concerns Raised Over Vetting of Foreign Doctors in Norway

Norwegian health authorities are re-evaluating the process for authorizing foreign doctors after revelations that a physician with a history of professional errors was able to practice in Germany despite losing his license in Norway. The scrutiny comes amid concerns that the current system, reliant on international notification systems and individual hospital checks, may not be sufficient to protect patients.

Authorization Does Not Guarantee Suitability

Sjur Lehmann, director of the Norwegian Health Authority, emphasized that receiving Norwegian authorization does not automatically qualify a doctor for the job. “A Norwegian authorization is no guarantee that the person in question is suitable for the job,” he stated, urging municipalities and healthcare organizations to conduct thorough reference checks .

Case of the “Flekkefjord Doctor”

Recent reporting highlighted the case of Thomas Gölkel, a German patient who underwent an incorrect surgery performed by Jerlan Omarchanov, a doctor previously known as the “Flekkefjord doctor.” Omarchanov lost his medical license in Norway in 2020 following a series of serious professional mistakes although working in Southern Norway.

IMI System and International Notification Gaps

While Norwegian authorities reported Omarchanov’s loss of license to the International Medical Information (IMI) system – a platform for EU/EEA countries to share information on revocations and suspensions – he was still permitted to practice in Germany. German authorities cited the lack of a criminal conviction in Norway as a key factor in their decision.

Sissel Husøy, divisional director at the Norwegian Directorate of Health, explained that the guidelines for what information is reported and when vary between countries. This inconsistency creates gaps in the system.

Challenges with Non-EEA Applicants

Doctors with medical education from outside the EU/EEA are not covered by the IMI system and undergo individual assessments. These assessments focus on verifying the equivalence of their education to Norwegian standards and ensuring proficiency in the Norwegian language.

Potential for New Legal Authority

To address the shortcomings of the current system, the Directorate of Health is exploring the possibility of obtaining a legal basis to request police certificates as part of the authorization process. This would allow for a more comprehensive background check of applicants.

Sørlandet Hospital Reviewing Practices

Sørlandet Hospital, where Omarchanov previously worked, maintains its own reference check procedures. Nina Føreland, director of organization at the hospital, stated they verify Norwegian authorization and specialty approval. However, following recent concerns and calls for more rigorous checks, the hospital is conducting an internal review of its employment practices.

Føreland expressed confidence in the hospital’s current assessment routines but acknowledged the necessitate to consider even more thorough evaluations to ensure patient safety.

71 Authorizations Revoked in 2023

The Norwegian Health Authority revoked the authorization of 71 foreign healthcare professionals in 2023, underscoring the importance of diligent follow-up and verification procedures.

Published February 22, 2026, at 09:28