Last week, the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) unveiled the key findings of the second chapter of its 2024 International Benchmarking Study on Public Sector Performance—focused on healthcare systems and conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands. Alongside the findings, EIPA also launched the interactive dashboard designed for easy access to the data. Both were presented during an online event that brought together public sector professionals, policymakers, and healthcare experts to explore comparative insights from 35 countries.
Healthcare in the Netherlands: Strong Performance with Notable Challenges
Key Findings:
- Resources & Financing
The Netherlands ranks among the highest spenders on healthcare, dedicating 10% of its GDP (€4,530 per capita in 2022) to the sector. It trails only Switzerland, Norway, Germany, and Austria in overall health expenditure. The Dutch healthcare system is predominantly publicly funded, with 84% of spending covered by compulsory government schemes. Notably, the Netherlands allocates a significantly larger share—28%—to long-term care compared to its European peers. - Healthcare Workforce Capacity
The number of nurses per capita is growing, while physician density remains below average — a potential pressure point in service delivery. - Healthcare Outputs
Influenza vaccination coverage is strong, yet child vaccination rates, particularly for measles (89%), have declined. Cancer screening rates for breast and cervical cancer have also decreased since 2010, worsened by the pandemic. - Public Perception and Risk Factors
Over 80% of the population expressed satisfaction with local healthcare availability in 2022, though satisfaction is decreasing. While smoking rates have fallen sharply, obesity rates have edged up slightly, and heavy drinking remains a concern. - Inequalities in Health
Gender and socioeconomic disparities persist. While women live longer, men report more healthy life years — a reversal of the EU average. Obesity rates are higher in women, and and self-perceived health is better among those with higher income and education.
Policy Implications and Recommendations
The study highlights the Netherlands’ strengths in healthcare financing and long-term care provision. However, it also underscores critical areas requiring policy attention, including staff shortages, declining participation in preventive care programs, and persistent health inequalities across gender and socioeconomic lines.
The benchmarking study offers valuable lessons for other European health systems seeking to optimise performance through evidence-based policy, while ensuring equitable access and outcomes for all citizens.
For more information and access to the study and the dashboards, please visit Benchmarking Study and do not forget to register for our upcoming dissemination activity dedicated to the chapter focusing on sports.
