The investment and the three national lines of action were announced during the MedTech 2035 working conference in The Hague. Philips also announced a €50 million investment in MedTech at the conference.
The national recognition confirms the need for a new approach to healthcare in the Netherlands. Demand for care is growing, while the availability of healthcare professionals is coming under increasing pressure. Within Hospitals of the Future, healthcare organisations, knowledge institutions, public authorities and technology companies are therefore working together to create a healthcare system in which medical technology can be developed, implemented and scaled up more rapidly.
tenfold increase in healthcare productivity by 2050
The Hospitals of the Future programme aims to achieve a tenfold increase in healthcare productivity by 2050 using medical technology. Complex, high-volume and/or highly specialised care will remain concentrated in hospitals. Wherever possible, other forms of care will be provided at home, digitally or at other locations across the region, supported by smart technology and data. In this way, high-quality, accessible and affordable healthcare can be maintained. At the same time, healthcare professionals will be supported in working more effectively, experiencing greater job satisfaction and continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centred care, while the economic potential of medical technology will be strengthened.
With previously committed public and private seed funding, as well as support from the Twente Region Deal and the Agenda for Twente, a solid foundation is already in place. The national investment will enable the Twente model to be developed further and scaled up across the Netherlands. In this way, Hospitals of the Future is evolving from a regional initiative in Twente into a national programme for the implementation and wider adoption of medical technology.
Pictures: University of Twente