title: [Guardians of the welfare state?].
abstract: The welfare state in post-war Norwegian society is a result of the dominating social democratic ideology now adapted to far-reaching technological development. Increased spending on health has provoked the question of whether doctors should be the guardians of the welfare state against inappropriate demands from patients. This paper argues against this view. What is really a problem for the whole society cannot be solved on the individual level. In many ways, to be sick is to fall outside the community, with a real risk of loosing rights and duties essential to all of us. The doctor has to find-and redefine-his ancient role of spokesman and champion, and of serving as a friendly and emphatic corrective to the individual patient. This is particularly important in modern health services where having to face interpersonal problems is a key element of everyday practice.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nessa
mesh_terms: D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D012935:Social Justice; D012946:Social Welfare