From 13 to 16 November, Task Force Health Care (TFHC) in cooperation with the Netherlands Embassy organised an incoming visit for the Colombian Universidad El Bosque (Bogotá) and the largest Colombian insurance company; Compensar. These two parties are in the process of launching a large private University Medical Hospital in Bogotá, hence this incoming visit gave both El Bosque and Compensar the opportunity to present the existing plans for improving healthcare in Colombia. The delegation was interested to learn how healthcare delivery, integrated care and health insurance are arranged in the Netherlands. In addition, Dutch participants had the opportunity to present their organisation and the corresponding smart solutions.

The Colombian delegation (in total eight representatives) was welcomed by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The official kick-off incorporated a presentation covering the ‘Dutch Model’. Subsequently Jeroen Kemperman, Head Strategy & Business Development, of the Dutch Health Insurance Company Zilverenkruis/Achmea gave a presentation on the Dutch health insurance model. In the afternoon, the delegation heard numerous presentations by the Erasmus University Medical Center and the Institute for Health Policy & Management of Erasmus University. This was followed by a private tour through the newly developed building at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam. The following day, Deputy in Chief, Mr Alvaro Gutierrez (Embassy of Colombia) and Thijs Teeling (TFHC Chairman) welcomed the Colombian guests. After a presentation of the Colombian organisations, Dutch organisations had the chance to present their smart solutions. On Wednesday, the delegation visited the Health~Holland Pavilion at the Medica Trade Fair in Düsseldorf (Germany). They were welcomed there by Len de Jong (Top Sector LSH). A number of additional visits were organised with TFHC partners such as Philips and VANAD Enovation. Following this incoming visit, the TFHC hopes to strengthen their relations and broaden their network with the Colombian healthcare sector!

More information:

El Bosque University - is a higher education institution and a private, non-profit organisation. Founded in 1977, the university has a legal status granted by the Colombian government and institutional recognition from the Ministry of Education. Since its inception as the Colombian School of Medicine, the University has been committed to developing the country through a bio-psycho-social and cultural approach, with the imperative of promoting the dignity and integrity of all individuals.

Compensar - is an organisation framed in the field of social protection whose purpose is the development of families, workers and companies as an engine of transformation and social progress. Compensar provides a range of healthcare services – including affiliations, medical authorizations, and scheduling, among other business-critical functions – to more than one million beneficiaries.​

Upcoming Activities! From 12 to 17 March 2017 TFHC will organise an incoming visit of a large Colombian delegation (incl. dignitaries). In addition a Colombian healthcare mission for Dutch healthcare companies is scheduled for the second part of 2017 (exact dates TBA and will be communicated on a later stage).

During the World of Health Care, on the 27 September, Task Force Health Care (TFCH) Chairman Thijs Teeling was appointed as ‘Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau’. The royal decoration was presented by the Mayor of Oegstgeest. In addition, Teeling was congratulated via a personal video message from Dutch Minister for Health, Welfare & Sport, Edith Schippers. Thijs Teeling receives this title because of his contribution to the Dutch healthcare sector.

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Nico van Meeteren visits São Paulo

On behalf of the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (LSH) Nico van Meeteren visited São Paulo from 19-22 October 2016 to intensify the bilateral LSH relationship with Brazil. The Holland Innovation Network at the Dutch Consulate has set up a programme to strengthen the ties in the field of research, innovation and business. Particular emphasis has been placed public-private partnerships (PPP). Van Meeteren was received at top level throughout the entire value chain: the São Paulo State Government, public and private hospitals, international LSH companies such as Philips, branch organisation ABIMO, the medical fair Hospitalar and the São Paulo research foundation FAPESP. At Einstein Hospital Van Meeteren gave a LSH keynote speech at the event Borders of Ageing, challenges for Science and Health teams. Healthy ageing, oncology and health management are among the top priorities in which both countries are seeking to intensify their mutual cooperation.

This LSH visit is part of the process of intensifying bilateral partnership and a direct consequence of the visit of 15 health leaders from São Paulo to the Netherlands in June this year. The PPP between the Brazilian Network for Diagnosing, of which Philips is one of the three members, and the State of Bahia is a running example of the gradually intensifying partnership. This PPP will create twelve centres for medical diagnosis and imaging with a total investment of R$1 billion. Another example of a PPP is the ongoing research call between NWO/SIA and FAPESP on sports & healthy living. Companies and knowledge institutes from both sides are involved in this call.

In the coming months public and private LSH colleagues of both countries will seek further cooperation. Hospitalar, one of the biggest LSH congresses in the world, will be held in May 2017 and will act as a cornerstone meeting for the setting up of new mutual PPPs.​

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