Time for some Dutch courage
James Gubb, 19 November 2007
A priority of the Dutch health care system, just like in the NHS, is to guarantee access to health care services in accordance with principles of solidarity and equality. As a result, health care coverage, just like in the NHS, is universal.
But, unlike the NHS, universal coverage is being achieved not through a predominantly government-run system, but through an insurance market that aims to be patient-focused and competitive. The government regulates the system and provides extra funds for the poor and those with excessive health care risks, but is neither the major provider nor funder of health care. It is patient demand, not central command that drives quality of care. As this Civitas briefing shows, there is much the NHS could learn.
Hurrah for the Dutch. I’ve been advocating a system of this kind every time the opportunity to discuss health has arisen. I had experience of this system for 32 years when living abroad and IT WORKS! The important feature is – as you mention – that health care facilities and treatment are dictated by patient demand and not restricted by governmental budgets. The insurance coverage, presumably, doesn’t distinguish between age, sex or health status as I believe the current insurance in this country does.