The Netherlands has a high-quality healthcare system, but demographic and social developments are placing it under increasing pressure. This is leading to higher healthcare costs and greater demand for healthcare professionals, whilst funding and staff are in short supply.
To keep healthcare accessible, high-quality and affordable, a transformation is needed that places greater emphasis on prevention, empowering residents to take control of their own health, and providing appropriate care within their own living environment.
We asked John Brom, a councillor in Nijmegen responsible for, amongst other things, the economy, employment and income, and a member of The Economic Board, and John van Sambeek, Health Strategist at The Economic Board Arnhem Nijmegen Region, how we should go about this.
Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region has everything it needs to bring about this change, says Brom. “With a strong health sector, accounting for over 21 per cent of employment and generating an annual added value of more than €3 billion, healthcare is one of the key pillars of our economy and society.”
In addition, the region boasts a unique mix of strong medical facilities, leading companies (Essity, Enzyre, 3DNeuro, Sencure, etc.) and knowledge institutions that collaborate in innovative clusters such as Digital Health and Neurotech.
Van Sambeek: “At Lifeport Regio Arnhem Nijmegen, we want to demonstrate how the smart use of technology, a focus on health and prevention, and strong partnerships lead to future-proof healthcare: accessible, affordable and of high quality.”
Attractive region
This region is very strong in the health cluster. In fact, this is where it’s all happening, say both gentlemen. Brom: “This region has behaved like Calimero for too long. We have a lot to offer. It’s time to step up and show what we stand for.”
That also means that, as a region, you need to demonstrate that you’re attractive to young talent. Van Sambeek: “It’s important for our innovative strength to retain talent.” That’s why we’re increasingly highlighting the innovative businesses based here in the Lifeport region and showing that it’s a great place to live, work and study. And that it’s lovely for people who’ve previously left to return to our region.”
Innovative activity
The presence of the large medical cluster attracts a great deal of innovative activity to the region. Van Sambeek: “This involves the production, distribution and research into medicines, medical technology and medical devices. But it also involves the development of products and services in the fields of health and healthy living.”
Brom adds: “In the eastern Netherlands, we are at the forefront of healthcare innovations that contribute to a future-proof and accessible healthcare system, with 70 per cent of those innovations coming from SMEs. A strong, knowledge-intensive health cluster, acting as a driver of innovation, is centred around Radboudumc, Radboud University and the Noviotech Campus.”
