Health Attaché at the Embassy in UK

News item | 11-07-2025 | 13:19

Since February 2024, Evert Jan van Asselt has been serving at the Dutch Embassy in London as the Attaché for Health, Welfare, and Sports. With a remarkable 12-year career at the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport - where he notably worked within the Directorate for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Technology - Evert Jan has transitioned into a role that is as multifaceted as it is innovative. His work is now instrumental in fostering synergies between Dutch and British healthcare systems while paving the way for shared strategies and international cooperation.

In his current role, Evert Jan actively stimulates collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in healthcare and sport. His responsibilities are twofold. On the one hand, he plays a crucial part in ‘policy learning’. On the other hand, he supports the embassy’s economic department - which is primarily engaged with businesses. Both roles strengthen each other. His engagement with healthcare policy is fundamental for offering business insight into the broader picture.
Evert Jan continuously examines the workings of the NHS and compares them with the Dutch system. His approach centres on key questions: How does the NHS system work, how is care organised in the Netherlands, and where do these systems intersect? By examining these questions, he identifies opportunities for mutual learning and innovation.
Both nations face similar challenges such as an ageing population, increasing demand for care, mounting financial pressures, and workforce shortages. These shared issues underline the importance of technological innovation in healthcare. Evert Jan emphasises that both countries are actively seeking solutions - be it through advances in Artificial Intelligence, genomics, or improvements in the overall organisation of care. These collaborative efforts are not only about problem-solving; they are about leveraging complementary strengths. For instance, while the Netherlands boasts strong production capacities in pharmaceuticals, the United Kingdom leads in early-stage research. According to Evert Jan, such complementary expertise underpins a robust framework for cooperation.

 

Pioneer in new role

Evert Jan describes himself as a pioneer in this new role, underlining the importance of maintaining international contacts in healthcare. “Countries must interact on multiple levels -governmental, hospital, and research,” he says. His presence in London enables the UK to benefit from his deep knowledge of the Dutch healthcare system, acting as a bridge to foster exchange among diverse stakeholders. This connection is especially significant in a post-Brexit landscape.


His work spans a wide array of themes from genomics to assisted dying. His daily involvement with these themes reflects a dynamic and multifaceted role that supports the general diplomatic relations between the two nations.


A concrete example of this collaboration was seen in December when Evert Jan participated in a mission on medical technology to the London Institute for Health Engineering (LIHE). LIHE is a collaboration between St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London and serves as a hub where companies drive the entire development chain of medical technology. This mission showcased how the Dutch and British contributions can be mutually reinforcing. Similarly, an economic mission focused on regenerative medicines highlighted the complementary roles of each country - demonstrating how Dutch production capabilities and UK research initiatives can work together to drive innovation.

 

Health Attaché Evert Jan van Asselt

Welcoming professionals across the healthcare spectrum

Evert Jan welcomes contact with professionals across the healthcare spectrum. Whether you are an NHS worker, a policymaker, a researcher, or a business leader, he is eager to connect or contribute to conversations. By linking Dutch networks to UK partners, he offers guidance on navigating complex healthcare systems and building meaningful collaborations. Through his work, he provides invaluable insights that help translate policy into practice while opening avenues for scientific and commercial exchange.
For those interested in exploring these opportunities or seeking further insight into the interplay between Dutch and British healthcare systems, Evert Jan van Asselt stands ready to assist. His pioneering approach, deep expertise, and commitment to fostering productive international relations make him a valuable connector in the current healthcare landscape.
To learn more or to get in touch with Evert Jan van Asselt and his network, please reach out via the Contact Form. If you represent a company, please contact the Netherlands Business Support Office also via the Contact Form.