Dutch hospitals are contemplating withdrawing from negotiations on the continuation of the Integral Healthcare Agreement due to surprise budget cuts in the sector. Ad Melkert, chairman of the Dutch Association of Hospitals, expressed his concerns over the integrity of the process, noting that Health Minister Agema was also caught off guard by the additional cuts.
Melkert stated that discussions with partners, including nurses and medical specialists, would take place to address the situation. The agreement aims to improve healthcare efficiency by collaborating with general practitioners, insurers, and municipalities to focus on prevention.
However, support for this plan is waning. Melkert criticized the use of healthcare funds to offset cuts in education, which included a €150 million training fund and a €165 million reduction by employing specialists directly.
He called for the Senate to delay the budget vote to reassess the financial strategy. Municipalities had already exited the talks, citing insufficient funding.
The V&VN nursing association also criticized the plans. Melkert urged a reassessment to underscore the national importance of the healthcare agreement.
Source: NOS