Norwegian Surgeon General appointed for position in NATO
The Norwegian Surgeon General, Brigadier General (BG) Petter Iversen, is endorsed by the NATO Surgeon Generals as the next Chair for The Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services in NATO (COMEDS). The election was agreed on today by the NATO Military Committee (MC).
-It is a great recognition for both the Norwegian Armed Forces and BG Iversen that NATO has instilled their trust on him, says the Norwegian Chief of Defense, General Eirik Kristoffersen. BG Iversen will take over as Chair in November. – I am confident that the Norwegian Armed Forces and Norway will live up to the expectations, says General Eirik Kristoffersen.
-The appointment of BG Petter Iversen confirms the position he holds in the military medical community in NATO. This is a strong recognition, and it is great that Norway has resourceful officers who compete for important positions, says Vice Admiral Louise K. Dedichen. She is Chief of the Norwegian Military Representative to NATO. -I`m also happy that Norway chose to increase the contribution to the leadership positions within the Alliance.
The Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services in NATO (COMEDS)
«The Committee of the Chiefs of Military Medical Services in NATO (COMEDS) advises and reports to the Military Committee (MC) on medical matters affecting NATO. More generally, it contributes to preserving and maintaining health and fighting strength of military forces at home and in deployment.»
NATO
Photo: Torgeir Haugaard, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Photo: Frederik Ringnes, Norwegian Armed Forces
First for Norway
– It is with great humility and pride I will assume the position of Chair COMEDS. The Committee has and will have an important role, to preserve Health as part of the NATOs Collective Defence, says BG Iversen. – When I assume the position in November, my main priority will be to continue the cooperation between the military- and civilan health committees to develop medical resilience in order to deter and defend the alliance, the Norwegian Surgeon General Says.
In addition to the highest defense education in Norway, the Brigadier General is a physician specialised in orthopedic surgery. He has been deployd to both Afghanistan and to anti piracy maritime operation. In addition to his military service, he has served several years in the civilan health system, including at the largest trauma departement in Norway. It will be the first time a Norwegian will take on the position as Chair COMEDS.
- The nations must together enhance the health resources
- Medical readiness and resilience is a national responsibility. At the same time, Alliance cooperation is of great importancefor deterrence and defense. This demands a collective approach to handle common challenges, Iversen says. Recently the representatives from COMEDS and the civilian equivalent Joint Health Group (JHG) agreed to directions and priorities to enhance the medical support for collective defenseof NATO.
-The nations must together enhance the health resources in the light of the changed situation and the actions the Alliance do. This is of great importance for our joint resilience, both for humanitarian situations and Article 5 scenarios. COMEDS and JHG must must increase ourcollaboration, witch we also do, says Iversen. This is supported by VA Dedichen: -Increased force structure, faster response times and larger volumes demands more from themedical services as field of expertise. Therefore, it is gratifying that Iversen will be part of the further work.
Contact information for the press
Chief of Communication for the Norwegian Surgeon General, Kristian Elden, +47 950 77 186, fsan.info@mil.no
