Health and Social Care - United Kingdom
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.
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The Netherlands and the UK: Reliable and Innovative Partners
The United Kingdom is a global leader in early-stage health research, and seen as a hub for life sciences and the research and development of new medicines and vaccines.
The Netherlands, in turn, is known for its strong and organised healthcare system, renowned for being both innovative and accessible. The Dutch healthcare model benefits from government efforts to promote innovation in healthcare delivery and medical technology, aiming to further enhance the system’s efficiency and quality, making the Netherlands a leading example of an accessible and forward-thinking healthcare model.
Together, these complementary strengths create a strong foundation for partnership, where the UK’s expertise in research and innovation aligns with the Netherlands’ experience in healthcare implementation. Both countries benefit from mutual learning and collaboration, driving progress in medical technology, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes.
Highlights
Sustainable Health and Social Care
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands face common challenges in health and social care, such as staff shortages, drug shortages, ageing and the need to make the system sustainable in the future. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London plays a key role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on these topics; acting 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.
Life Sciences & Health
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.
Want to collaborate or learn more?
The Dutch Counsellor for Health, Welfare and Sport in London, Evert Jan van Asselt, actively supports the cooperation between the UK and Dutch healthcare sector. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands organises study visits, expert meetings to promote collaboration between UK and Dutch healthcare and research organisations.
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.
For more information, please get in touch via the contact form.