Health and Social Care

Solving global challenges together
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Health and social care are universal concerns. In the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, these sectors are facing similar challenges: rising demand driven by ageing populations, lack of staff, medicine shortages, difficulties in scaling innovation, and the need for more sustainable care systems. The way we organise healthcare is going to have to change. Investments in prevention, digitalisation, and innovation, along with international knowledge exchange, are more important than ever.

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Although healthcare is often seen as a national issue, global dynamics are increasingly at play. Infectious diseases, pharmaceutical supply chains, and health security transcend borders. This calls for health diplomacy: stronger international dialogue and cooperation.

The Netherlands and the UK: Reliable and Innovative Partners

The UK is a global leader in early-stage health research. The Netherlands, in turn, is known for its strong healthcare organisation. Both countries benefit from mutual learning and collaboration.

The Dutch Embassy in London plays a key role in fostering these connections. Our Health, Welfare & Sport Attaché, Evert Jan van Asselt, acts as a bridge between the two countries, linking policy-makers, hospitals, researchers and businesses. By engaging in discussions and ‘policy learning’,  and facilitating partnerships, we help turn shared challenges into shared solutions.

In recent years, the embassy has supported several economic, innovation and fact-finding missions in the field of Life Sciences & Health, including:

  • A medical isotopes mission focused on cross-border production and usage;
  • A regenerative medicine mission exploring collaboration between Dutch biotech companies and UK researchers;
  • A medtech mission highlighting cooperation between hospitals, academia and industry in the development of medical technologies;
  • A sport and health mission that brought together Dutch and UK experts on preventative care and healthy lifestyles.

Our Role: Connecting Health Ecosystems

Through these efforts, we aim to build sustainable partnerships across the healthcare spectrum. The embassy can provide you with insights into the Dutch healthcare system, and support British stakeholders looking to connect with Dutch counterparts. Whether you’re a health strategist, policymaker, researcher or entrepreneur, we’re here to facilitate contact and collaboration.

Please reach out if you would like to learn more about the Dutch healthcare system or if you are looking for your counterpart in the Netherlands.

For more information, please get in touch via the contact form.