DutchNews.nl - Health service could do better, wide varations in price, quality: report

The Dutch health service is generally good, but there is much room for improvement, according to the latest public health institute report, published on Tuesday.

It is the third time since 2006 the RIVM has published an in depth report into the accessibility, cost and quality of the Dutch care sector.

While healthcare is easily accessible, there are major differences in the price and quality between different providers, the report said.

For example, the cost of a hernia operation varied between €1,000 and €2,500, depending on the hospital. And the number of unplanned c-section births varies between 7% and 30%, the report shows.

And long waiting lists for some treatments and difficult telephone contact with family doctors also were causes of concern. The cost of a visit to a family doctor varies between €35 and €185.

In particular, long-term care for the frail elderly and people with handicaps is under pressure because of the shortage of qualified personnel.

Spending on healthcare has risen around 7% a year since 2007, and now accounts for 20% of government spending.

'Although quality improvement goes hand in hand with cost savings in some instances, this cannot be firmly concluded for the system as a whole,' the RIVM said in a statement. 'In fact, the total costs of care continue to grow at a fast rate, while the quality of care improves slowly.'

Well, I do not know what the "generally good" means for these people. I think, a comparison has to be made between Dutch health care and other European systems. I was shocked when my Dutch family doctor wanted to find out FROM BOOK which medicine would be good for my stomach-ache. What would happen if I have a serious problem? I do not think, the health care is good here at all plus it is so expensive.

By Judit | May 25, 2010 4:07 PM

How about giving back money to people, who NEVER use the health service, for 1-2-3-4-5 etc years?

By Healty | May 25, 2010 4:14 PM

This is a difficult one but one has to make a start somewhere and starting with the basics usually helps;

The Hippocratic Oath

" I will use treatments for the benefit of the ill in accordance with my ability and my judgment, but from what is to their harm and injustice I will keep them."

Well, in 3 years in Netherlands I've not experienced much of this and many Dutch patients I've spoken with concur, which is a terrible pity.

A good guide to the Hippocratic Oath can be found at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7654432.stm

As the Netherlands looks to USA & UK for ideas, another good idea would be to read the The NMC (UK NURSING & MIDWIFERY COUNCIL) code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics.

" Respect the Patient as an Individual.

You are Personally Accountable for Ensuring that you Promote and Protect the Interests and Dignity of Patients, irrespective of Gender, Age, Race, Ability, Sexuality, Economic Status, Lifestyle, Culture and Religion or Political Beliefs "

All working in the Health Care Industry should have read, understand, and sign-up to a Code like this, including the Insurance Company staff and all involved in patient administration up to Ministerial level.

By Gerard | May 26, 2010 4:20 AM