The Ministry has identified patient absenteeism as a key reason for long waiting times. Not a shortage of doctors. And it is imposing "punitive" discipline on patients, not on the functioning of the health service. (10 days before the check-up, the reason for absence must be justified, which, in the case of a really unexpected absence on the day of the check-up/intervention, introduces extra work for the referrer, because the referring doctor will be burdened, as he will now have to decide again whether the condition is so serious, (e.g. someone who does not respect the order, or who fails to comply with the requirements of the health service 2 or more times, will now have a condition that threatens his/her health/life and can be treated by the doctor on a non-priority basis.   Where are these e-referrals at the time of digitisation? E.g. the doctor issues an e-referral to the appropriate specialised hospital (according to the level of urgency) and the patient, immediately knows the date of the examination (probably the patient can also opt for an examination in another place if he/she wants a faster treatment).  The doctor has an immediate overview of the exact waiting times across the country and the patient decides on the place of examination (and the waiting time). Some kind of e-health system that could require the patient to confirm 2 days before the procedure/examination for a measure of certainty and in case of non-confirmation, the other patients get a notification that they can fill the missing appointment. Patients should report 1 hour before the examination/procedure so that if they are absent on the day of the procedure, the doctor is not out of work. If a patient is absent on the day of the procedure/exam, again a notification is sent to the booked patients that they can come in for a check-up/exam before the end of the doctor's working hours (automatic sms/voice/email notification system --> free appointment (every 5/10min to the next patient) --> and the 1st one who confirms can come in towards the end of the day's check-ups or in between.   The Ministry then has an overview of the patients booked and examined in the e-system. The work of each doctor. And in case of high absenteeism in examinations/procedures or lack of work by the doctor, and fills in the missing gaps. It also has a review of what is considered very urgent (24 hours), urgent (1 week), fast (1 month) and regular. (and maybe eventually define by law the speed of referral onwards, depending on the medical condition) probably such a system would be needed in dentistry too. (Rumour has it, though unverified by me, that some people have shorter waiting times due to acquaintances or gifts) and again the ministry would have control over waiting times and actual work.