Innovation as a Remedy for Dutch Healthcare Challenges

2025-10-07 bio

Amsterdam, Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
Innovation is crucial for Dutch oncology as limited treatment options lag behind international standards. Prolonged assessments and negotiations restrict access, highlighting the need for change.

Current State of Dutch Oncology

Dutch oncology faces significant challenges due to limited treatment options compared to international standards. Stringent evaluations and lengthy price negotiations have restricted the availability of innovative treatments for cancer patients in the Netherlands. This has led to a situation where Dutch patients have access to only 44% of all cancer treatments available in Europe, and the actual usage is even lower at 39% [1]. These constraints are acutely felt in the treatment of lung cancer, where several innovative therapies available elsewhere in Europe are not accessible in the Netherlands [1].

Need for Policy Reform in Healthcare

The Dutch healthcare system’s lag in adopting innovative cancer treatments underscores the need for systemic reform. Professor Michel van den Heuvel has highlighted multiple cases where Dutch patients wait an average of 22 months to access proven effective and safe innovations [1]. This delay not only compromises patient outcomes but also deviates from international healthcare standards, necessitating a shift towards a more practical and faster assessment process. The ‘Future-proof Medicines System’ is seen as a preliminary step towards addressing these issues, although further reforms are needed to accelerate the integration of new treatments into the healthcare system [1].

Government and Industry Collaboration

Collaborative efforts between the government and the pharmaceutical industry are crucial to overcoming the current barriers in Dutch healthcare. Novartis, for instance, has been actively investing in research and development (R&D) within the Netherlands, committing approximately €16.9 million last year primarily in collaboration with Dutch academic centers [2]. Such investments are essential to ensuring that innovations not only occur but also reach patients effectively. The alignment of the innovation system with the healthcare system is critical for sustainable progress [2].

The Path Forward: Embracing Innovation

Addressing the challenges faced by Dutch oncology requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reform, increased funding for innovation, and greater collaboration between public and private sectors. The establishment of a National Investment Bank and the continuation of initiatives like the Groeifonds are steps in the right direction, although precise funding allocations for innovation remain unclear [3]. As the Netherlands prepares for a new political phase, there is a unique opportunity to redefine the healthcare landscape to better accommodate and integrate innovative solutions [4].

Bronnen

healthcare innovation oncology treatment