As one knows, the Dutch are worldwide recognised for their supreme healthcare system. In the Netherlands we take this for granted, but we are always positively surprised when our health system gains recognition across border. Amongst others we are known for our innovative solutions regarding elderly, diabetes, eHealth, hospital design, AMR, rehabilitation, the health system and of course it’s financing. Therefore the Netherlands is a welcome guest and partner to work on improving healthcare systems on a global scale.
The sentiment of mistrust, as we have known in the Netherlands, is still common practice in many countries. This is illustrated over and over during visits to other countries. In the Netherlands many things have changed in the past 20 years. Breaking barriers of distrust between stakeholders in the healthcare sector has delivered our country a unique international position. The improvement of our Dutch healthcare system, creating mutual benefits between public and private parties, the many product- and concept innovations and the international involvement of the Netherlands is an exception to rule compared to many other countries. This becomes evident, if one moves deeper into the challenges of healthcare systems abroad. Sharing knowledge has become the standard in the Dutch Topsector Life Sciences & Health (LSH) and has led to great successes. In recent years, Dutch healthcare companies, NGOs, health providers and research institutions are actively involved in improving international healthcare. Think of primary care in Indonesia, the rural healthcare in Russia, the hospital infrastructure in India, the rehabilitation care in China, tele-radiology in Ghana, mobile diagnostics in Egypt…and many more. It is, and has not always been easy to join forces, in the pursuit of collectively addressing major social challenges in a country with 17 million different opinions. Economic diplomacy and the introduction of the Topsector LSH have played a crucial role in bridging gaps in the Dutch healthcare sector. A joint approach within the Topsector LSH whereby “knowledge and expertise” are bundled is now defined by means of: ‘’Shared Challenges, Smart Solutions’’. Over the course of our 20 years of existence
(TFHC 1996-2016) we have proudly seen our healthcare sector climbing towards the top of ‘’Dutch Topsectors’’, with worldwide recognition as a result. Moreover, we are proud to express
the fact that we are an official partner of the Topsector LSH regarding the implementation of the International Strategies.
Thijs Teeling – TFHC Chairman
