Dutch watchdog needs to stop private investments in healthcare: GroenLinks, PvdA & NSC

Left-wing opposition party GroenLinks-PvdA and new right-wing coalition party NSC want to give the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) more power to prevent the decrease in the quality of healthcare by stopping unwanted takeovers by private equity investors.

The parties will introduce a bill in Parliament to make this possible. They want to alter the competition law so that the ACM can assess takeovers and stop them if necessary. Last month, it became clear that a majority in the lower house of Dutch Parliament, the Tweede Kamer, wants to get rid of commercial investors in health care who are mainly focused on turning a profit.

"Foreign investors are buying more and more of our public services. Therefore, collective premiums and tax money flow out of our healthcare into the pockets of rich investors," Julian Bushoff (GroenLinks-PvdA) said. He will submit the proposal along with Daniëlle Jensen from NSC.

The two claim that the problems with the commercial general practitioner's chain Co-Med show quicker action is needed. The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate has already taken action regarding this organization. Despite having a great deal of problems, the chain was still able to continue buying up GP practices.

Outgoing Healthcare Minister Conny Helder opposes a ban on private investors in healthcare. She claimed that not all investments in healthcare made by private investors are unfavorable. In addition, research shows that a ban could carry legal risks, Helder said earlier in a debate.