Recently an incoming visit of a Colombian delegation, consisting of 18 participants active in private- and public hospitals, university medical centres, private clinics and healthcare insurers, was welcomed to the Netherlands (12th – 17 March). A collaboration between the Dutch Embassy in Bogota, Holland House Colombia and the Task Force on Health Care has created a programme in which the delegation visited a broad spectrum of healthcare organisations.
The official kick off was held at the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The Colombian guests were provided with an outline of the framework of the Dutch healthcare system. Subsequently, vitis to University Hospitals (ErasmusMC, VUMC), where issues such as the learning system, as well as, cardiovascular topics and new research on transplantation were presented. Philips presented their holistic approach for hospitals followed by a tour of their visitors center. Visiting TFHC Partner Spectator Video Technology enlightened the theme of elderly care and a presentation of one of the largest health insurers, Zilveren Kruis Achmea, yielded many new insights to the Colombian delegation. At the end of the week a seminar at RVO provided networking opportunities with Dutch healthcare professionals. During the week, more than 50 Dutch organisations came into contact with the Colombian delegation.
The incoming visit was considered very successful by both sides. In the near future both countries have agreed to intensify knowledge sharing and cooperation in the field of rural health, integrated care, long term care, research and innovative medical technologies.
