According to the research project done by a Swedish agency, that assessed the healthcare systems of 35 countries, the Netherlands turned out to having the best healthcare system in Europe.
This was reflected in the report of EHCI (Euro Health Consumer Index), which was presented in Brussels on Thursday 28 November 2013. The Netherlands scored 870 out of the maximum of 1000 points. Leaving behind Switzerland (851), Iceland (818), Denmark (815) and Norway (813). The fewest points went to Serbia (451), Romania (478) and Latvia (516).
The research firm Health Consumer Powerhouse praises the Dutch system, partly because of the high number of independent insurers and healthcare providers that compete infavor of the patient. "The excellent performance would be even more impressive with better cost efficiency. As long as the Dutch are willing to pay for expensive care, the system works," according to the research agency.
The study mentions that the Dutch secret weapon lays in the fact that operational decisions are not taken by politicians, but by medical professionals in close consultation with patients. The leading Swedish research agency annually compares healthcare systems in Europe. The Netherlands is the only country ranked in the top three since the comparison study first started in 2005.
Source: Health Power House and ANP