New Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Care Services

Cathrine Marie Lofthus (born in 1970) arrives from the position as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern and Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. She holds a professional studies degree in medicine and a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Oslo. She is also a university college graduate in business administration and management from the University of South-Eastern Norway.

Lofthus has solid experience from the specialist health services. Following her compulsory practice period, she worked as a research fellow, physician and subsequently served as Chief Medical Advisor and Head of Department at Aker University Hospital. During the establishment of Oslo University Hospital (OUH), she was Aker’s representative in several merger projects. She held key roles at OUH, first as Project Director, before she in 2012 was appointed Deputy CEO with responsibility for medicine, health sciences and professional development.

In 2015, she commenced the position as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern and Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. In this role, she has, among other things, been a key actor in the development of the specialist health services and the handling of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.