The Norwegian Health Center (DNS) in the south of Gran Canaria turns 45 in 2024 and represents one of the best social connection business success stories in Spain. The Valle Marina complex in Mogán serves hundreds of people every year who need care for asthma and other respiratory diseases.
45 years ago, the Kvan and Johansen entrepreneurial families had the vision of creating Norwegian Health Center SA (DNH SA) and the Norwegian Association against Asthma and Allergy (NAAF) promoted the project which, among others, has association agreements with Grupo San Rock.
When it came to initiating collaborations and financing the project, all patient associations rejected the concept of a Norwegian health center located in Gran Canaria. However, one person, the general secretary of the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF), did see the opportunity that creating a treatment center in a warm environment for the members of the association would bring. A center of these characteristics was in demand 45 years ago and remains so today.
It was quite difficult to obtain the necessary funds for the establishment of the new center. The personal relationship between the couple Nini and Arne Durban and Arne Heimdal was decisive in raising funds that would allow the establishment of the Norwegian Association Against Asthma and Allergy (NAAF) in Gran Canaria. Without Arne Heimdal's persistent efforts and his willingness to take risks, the facilities currently available at the Norwegian Health Center SA would not have been part of the treatment offering of the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF).
Over time, Arne Heimdal and the Norwegian Association Against Asthma and Allergy (NAAF) came to the conclusion that it was impossible to manage business activity in Spain from Norway. The problems accumulated, fortunately, through the essential work of Jorge Benítez for more than 20 years, first working as an advisor and later as director of the center, today DNH SA can offer NAAF members a very pleasant environment in addition to being a well-managed company with good economic results. To achieve this, after the retirement of Jorge Benítez, Heidi Ana Benitez and later Jorge Benítez Cabrera joined.
Valle Marina, Det Norske Helsesenter is a public limited company registered in Spain owned by the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. It consists of 56 apartments, a large swimming pool, which is heated in the winter season, as well as a children's pool. There is also a 35°C treatment pool and fitness facilities. Valle Marina also consists of a buffet restaurant and a snack bar. The complex also has a minimarket and a 24-hour reception (receptionists speak Spanish, English and several Scandinavian languages, and from 22:00 to 08:00 there is a night watchman who speaks Spanish and English). The Valle Marina complex has lush, well-kept gardens adapted for people with allergies (pollen free). The entire Valle Marina complex is fenced, making it very safe and away from car traffic and other noise.
The coastal strip where Valle Marina is located in Barranco de la Verga has a dry-warm microclimate with minimal pollen levels. Therefore, it is especially suitable for anyone with allergies, eczema, psoriasis and lung diseases. Even in the middle of winter, the temperature and climate can be compared to a good Norwegian summer. The sea breeze ensures that the air does not become too hot or oppressive, even in the height of summer. The water temperature is between 20 and 23 degrees.
Leif Kvan warned the Rusten family about the obvious shortcomings of both the Norwegian school and its environment, and that it was essential to correct them. The Rusten family agreed, but they did not have the funds to participate in this venture of building the Norwegian health center and a new school.
Sonja Rusten knew of a fairly large piece of land in the extreme south of Gran Canaria, owned by the Roca family (Barranco de La Verga). She thought that these lands would be perfect for the project and she managed to organize a meeting with Mrs. Roca who had a farm in the valley. However, the size of the land was too large for the project, a project that included the construction of a health center and a school. The dimensions of the land even included the area that today is known as Anfi del Mar.
