Dutch healthcare groups criticize deductible hike, support medicine shortage measures
Dutch healthcare organizations reacted with a mix of praise and concern following the D66, VVD, and CDA coalition’s plans to raise the healthcare deductible from 385 to 460 euros in 2027, limit patients’ out-of-pocket costs to 150 euros per treatment from 2028, invest 350 million euros for chronically ill people, and promote European medicine production.
The Dutch Hospital Association (NVZ) raised alarms over “major cuts in healthcare” in the coalition plan. NVZ chair Ad Melkert questioned the deductible increase. “For hospitals, it is important to do everything to prevent people from avoiding care. It will depend on healthcare allowances and arrangements for chronically ill people whether this increase is responsible. No resident of the Netherlands should face too high a barrier to hospital care,” he said. Melkert also noted that preventive and social support measures remain underfunded but supported plans to stop reimbursing non-contracted care.
The seven Dutch university medical centers (UMCNL) criticized measures they said could threaten care for the most vulnerable. “This mainly harms children and adults who can only be treated in the UMCs,” said UMCNL chair Helen Mertens.
She praised the coalition’s planned investments in research and innovation. “It is good news that there is strong investment in fundamental and applied research, and that attention is given to the role of knowledge institutions. As UMCs, we play a key role in finding answers to the societal challenges facing the Netherlands.” Mertens also welcomed the focus on life sciences and biotechnology as strategic sectors.
The Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association (KNMP) welcomed the government’s attention to medicine shortages. “It is good to see that the topic receives the attention it deserves. Medicine shortages are, after all, a daily concern,” said KNMP chair Miriam Stoks. She highlighted the coalition’s plans to reduce overmedication and cut pharmaceutical waste as positive steps.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times
