ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the reform experience of the health care system in the Netherlands. It presents great interest since it has often been cited as an example of a common trend, a common move towards an internal market model. The chapter explores the overall Dutch political culture within which the health policy debates take place. It describes the main characteristics of the Dutch health care system and of Dutch health care politics. The demand side of the Dutch health care system exhibits great private initiative and equally impressive and detailed governmental regulation. The Dutch believe that social progress can be achieved without jeopardizing economic progress. The Dutch are realistic optimists. They believe that based on rationality, a fair balance between personal and social responsibility, an open market and the spirit of corporatism, the state of social affairs in their land can always improve.
