Amersfoort/The Hague (ANP) – “If society does not show decisiveness quickly and work intensively together for longer, healthier lives, prosperity in the Netherlands will be at risk,” says the Association of Collaborating Health Funds (SGF).
The association says unhealthy living is now easier and often more expensive, and the living environment and climate are deteriorating due to unhealthy air and pollution. An aging population is also putting pressure on health care, which is already understaffed.
'It costs too much'
All these developments are not only miserable for those directly affected by them, but also become costly for society as a whole. “Reduced healthy life years are not only bad for the people themselves, but for our entire society; ill health costs us dearly, reduces participation in society and causes staff shortages. In the long term, this health catastrophe will threaten our prosperity,” warns the SGF.
A statement of improvement will be submitted to Cabinet on Monday.
