Denmark’s defence minister says Greenland’s healthcare needs are fully met, rejecting Donald Trump’s claim that a US hospital ship is needed.

COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s defence minister has dismissed a claim by former US President Donald Trump that Greenland requires a US hospital ship, stating the territory’s healthcare system is sufficient.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told Danish broadcaster DR that Greenland’s population receives all necessary medical care either locally or in Denmark.

“Greenlandic population receives the healthcare it needs,” Poulsen said. He added that specialised treatment is provided in Denmark under a recently improved agreement.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick”.

“It’s on the way!!!” he added.

The minister said he was unaware of any such ship’s arrival, describing Trump’s constant commentary on Greenland as “the new normal” in international politics.

Greenland has five regional hospitals, with free healthcare access mirroring the Danish system. The main hospital in Nuuk serves the entire Arctic territory.

Trump has previously expressed a desire for US control over Greenland for security reasons, though he later agreed to a framework for increased influence with NATO.

The statement followed an evacuation by Denmark’s Arctic Command of a sick US submariner near Nuuk.

 The Sun Malaysia