The UMCs themselves work on better health for everyone every day. ‘As knowledge institutions, we actively contribute to this by disseminating our knowledge about health and conducting research into prevention. We hope that politicians will join us. Healthcare costs are rising, health inequalities are widening and the labor market is tight. We do not have the luxury of neglecting improving health. That is why it is necessary that all ministries and governments assess future policy for the effects on public health’, says Lahuis.
Lahuis continues: ‘The current purchasing power crisis may further increase existing socio-economic health inequalities. That is why it is so important to accelerate the VAT reduction on fruit and vegetables that is planned for 2024.’ Several UMCs, hospitals and entrepreneurs temporarily abolished the VAT on fruit and vegetables to call on the cabinet to realize the VAT reduction quickly.
Prevention and UMCs
Umcs are investigating how people can be prevented from developing health problems or becoming ill. And we provide (future) healthcare professionals with tools to promote health and prevention among patients and residents. As UMCs we do not do this alone. We work together with social partners, such as municipalities, general hospitals, general practitioners and municipal health services in the region. The Integrated Care Agreement states that the existing regional knowledge function and innovation and organizational strength of the UMCs in the field of prevention in health care and lifestyle will be strengthened.
In the coming days, the NFU will further analyze the cabinet plans and what this means for the UMCs.