The second question is whether the available money can be divided in a different way. In some sectors the problems seem bigger than in other areas. On the whole, within health care the strain on the resources has several consequences, one of the most conspicuous being the waiting lists. Not only in hospital care but also in home care waiting lists are very common.
As for the division of money, especially the home care organizations are under great pressure the last few years. In most cases it means that they do not have the necessary resources to help every client according to their needs. Still, instead of excluding people, most home care organizations choose to try and help every client. The result is that the quality of care diminishes: there is no time anymore for some small talk, while only the very necessary care is given. At the same time the working load of health care workers increases.
We see the same processes in nursing homes.
Many solutions for these problems have been sought, for instance limitation of the basic care that everyone should receive. The idea was that according to certain principles a decision would be made which kind of care is basic, and which kind of care is not. This plan has not been executed up to now. A second option is to enhance efficiency by setting rules, introducing budget systems, and introducing competition in some fields of health care.
Besides these solutions that seek to make better use of the available resources, there is also the possibility to enlarge the total amount of money spent on health care. This is what the current Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports intends to do during the next government period.
Instead of an annual rise of 1.3% of the budget, she wants an annual increase of the budget of 2%. Not long ago it was decided that the home care sector will receive more money in the near future.
