Healthcare investment plan under fire

Government plans to impose tough conditions on private investments in healthcare institutions have come under fire from hospitals, home care companies and private clinics, the NRC reports.


In July, health minister Ab Klink announced that hospitals would only be allowed to pay out profits to private investors if they turn themselves into ‘social enterprises‘ – a new form of company with limited say for shareholders.
But supporters of private investment in healthcare say the conditions are far too limiting. This will be ‘more dangerous for the public interest than the risks attached to having shareholders and paying dividends’, the BoZ umbrella group said.
By limiting the role of private investors, the healthcare system will not be an ‘attractive investment opportunity’, BoZ told the paper.
The Dutch pharmacists’ and family doctors’ associations have also rejected plans to allow hospitals and health insurance companies to merge because of the potential conflict of interest.
On Tuesday it emerged a third Dutch hospital is being taken over by a private company.
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Comment: all power to the private sector

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