Liberalization of the Dutch health care system
Description:
Due to developments in society (ageing population, increased consumerism) and medical technology there will stay an upwards pressure to health care expenditures. Government will keep the responsibility for accessibility, quality and affordability of health care for all citizens, but it defines this role more facilitating. Liberalization means less government involvement in the health care procurement market. The health care procurement market in the Netherlands is defined as the market between sellers (hospitals) and buyers (mostly insurers, but in the future maybe also employer and individuals).
Liberalization will lead to all kinds of new health organization models, like Health Maintenance Organizations (cooperation between insurance and hospital, e.g. USA), hospital-nursing homes combinations, but also listed hospitals. As from 2012 it will be possible for hospitals to make a profit.
Enablers:
- Cost of software development
- Contracts with companies like Microsoft
Inhibitors:
- Open source developments
- Anti-trust lawsuits against standard software suppliers.
- Quite high prices for standard software
Paradigms:
Developments like these will decrease the domination of companies like Microsoft
Experts:
- Software developers
- Business ICT managers
Timing:
No information is needed to understand this driving force.