In a recent commentary, Gunnar Þór Geirsson, the chairman of the Icelandic General Practitioners Association, expressed serious concerns regarding the health assessments provided by the company Intuens. He argues that despite some positive anecdotes, the health examinations often lead to unnecessary medical procedures or treatments that can actually harm patients rather than help them. This critique is particularly significant in light of the company’s recent push to re-establish itself after facing several challenges in the healthcare market.

Geirsson pointed out that Intuens has charged a substantial fee of 300,000 krónur for these assessments, leading to widespread debate about their effectiveness and ethical implications. He highlighted how the company had temporarily suspended its health screenings due to significant backlash from medical professionals at the end of 2023. Although the national medical director initially banned their operations, this decision was later overturned by the Ministry of Health, which raises questions about regulatory oversight in health services.

The topic has sparked extensive discussion within Icelandic society, reflecting broader concerns about the commercialization of healthcare and the potential risks associated with health screenings that are not backed by adequate scientific evidence. This ongoing debate underlines the necessity for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure patient safety and the integrity of medical practices, particularly in a landscape increasingly influenced by private healthcare providers.