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Minister for Health
David Hammerstein
Date: 11-12-2018
Section: SPOLD
Case Officer: DEPAJU
Case: 1809254
Doc.: 761439
Dear David Hammerstein
Thank you for your e-mails of 6, 7, 13, and 23 November 2018 concerning the Nordic
Cochrane Centre in which you sent me a long list with signatures and personal
comments against the dismissal of Peter Gøtzsche.
I fully agree with you that it is very important to maintain a strong and independent
clinical research community, which will contribute to transparency in clinical data and
public health in general. In Denmark, we have a long tradition for free and
independent research.
The Nordic Cochrane Centre has since it was established in 1993 made excellent
contributions to evidence-based decision making in healthcare by producing high-
quality independent research and systematic reviews.
The Danish Ministry of Health finances an annual state grant of DKK 17.8 million. The
grant is allocated to the Nordic Cochrane Centre in accordance with the terms stated
in the Bill of Finances. It is the responsibility of Rigshospitalet to assure the Ministry,
that the Nordic Cochrane Centre is being administered in compliance with the terms
stated in the Bill of Finances.
I can inform you that the Ministry of Health will continue the state grant.
I can furthermore inform you, that Rigshospitalet is responsible for the
administration of the Nordic Cochrane Centre, including employer liability and staff
responsibility. The Ministry of Health has no authority in this matter.
I thank you for your concern regarding the Nordic Cochrane Centre. I can assure you
that Denmark will remain devoted to ensure a strong and independent research
community to the benefit of all – not at least the patients.
Yours sincerely,
Ellen Trane Nørby