Health-Holland

Financing of health expenditure (2017) Jobs in the Dutch healthcare sector > 2,525 pharmacists > 2,852 midwives > 8,775 dentists > 8,865 GPs > 17,082 physiotherapists > 22,585 specialists > 400,000 nurses / carers / home helps Source: Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, 2016 Dutch healthcare facts The Netherlands is very much aware of the rising costs of healthcare and the Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport devotes a great deal of attention to keeping these costs in check, so that the country’s healthcare system remains affordable and accessible. In 2017, healthcare spending in the Netherlands amounted to 97,5 billion euros, or 13.3% of GDP. In 2016, there were 79 hospitals at 121 locations in the Netherlands and 144 outpatient clinics. The sector employed approximately 1.1 million people in 2015. Overall, the number of hospitals is actually declining, but this is because many hospitals are partnering up, with a focus on creating specialised institutions. On the other hand, accessibility to healthcare is increasing thanks Source: Statistics Netherlands, 2018 Government Long-term Care Act Health Insurance Act Additional insurance Own payments Other 17.8% 19.2% 44.6% 4.6% 11.0% 2.8% to its availability at more locations and via care in the home. Patient power Patient organisations play a crucial role in formulating healthcare policies in the Netherlands. The largest patient association is the umbrella organisation NPCF, which acts as representative for approximately 170 different patient associations. 50