Several Dutch health organizations, including those representing academic hospitals, independent clinics, medical specialists, and nurses, have withdrawn from negotiations over a new comprehensive health care agreement set to run until 2028. The decision follows an unexpected €315 million budget cut in healthcare, which was implemented to reduce spending cuts in education.
The health sector considers the budget cuts unacceptable, especially since hospitals already grappling with staff shortages will receive €165 million less for training nurses and specialist nurses. Ad Melkert, chairman of the Dutch Association of Hospitals (NVZ), stated that the additional savings are "a bridge too far," emphasizing the sector's existing challenges with workforce shortages and increasing demand for care.
Health organizations did not anticipate this policy shift, particularly because the coalition agreement highlighted equal access to care and addressing labor market shortages as central goals. The previously promised training funds are crucial for making the sector a more attractive employer and for providing nurses with necessary education as they take on greater responsibilities in the new healthcare system.
The withdrawal of support from these organizations may make it more difficult for the government to achieve key policy objectives, such as ensuring the continuity of smaller regional hospitals. Health care parties have urged the Senate to reconsider the measures before voting on the budgets.
Previously, municipalities had also withdrawn from the negotiations due to insufficient funding from the government to implement the proposed plans.
Source: NOS News