Ahead of the Netherlands 'Budget Day', health minister Hermans insists that oversight must remain effective despite inspectorate workforce reduction
Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans confirmed the country’s healthcare inspectorate faces a shrinking budget and workforce, while insisting it must continue to safeguard healthcare quality and safety.
Responding to questions in parliament about reports on downsizing at the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), Hermans said the current staffing challenge is the result of financial targets set for the inspectorate.
“For the Cabinet, the primary concern is that the IGJ must be able to continue performing its statutory duties as an independent supervisor effectively and in a risk-oriented manner,” Hermans said. “The available capacity and priorities within supervision must therefore be balanced.”
The minister also said that as the IGJ’s budget will continue to shrink over the next six years, “sharp substantive choices” will be required.
