ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the circumstances of medical work in The Netherlands. This prosperous country is characterised by the predominantly voluntary and contributory character of its medical provision for a larger part of its population. Nearly every worker belongs to a sick fund. Commonly independent insurance for hospital treatment is also taken out. In some sick funds it is included with the medical benefit. Midwifery is carried on chiefly by midwives, who in most districts are private practitioners. The Netherlands has hospital accommodation amounting to about three beds per 1,000 population. The main tuberculosis work is done by the sick funds, the "Crosses", and the anti-tuberculosis associations. The Central Government controls the central public health laboratory and the serological institute through the central health council and its chairman. In Amsterdam there is a fuller school medical service, each child being examined soon after admission to school. The mutual funds, founded and organised by workers, are often organised by political/religious parties/large syndicates.
