ABSTRACT
This chapter starts with a short outline of Dutch demographics: who are we and how many are we? Subsequently, the funding of healthcare is discussed, and the way it is organised. In 2001, 9.3% of the population was of non-western origin. With 320 000 people, the Turkish form the largest part, followed by 309 000 Surinamese people, 270 000 Moroccans, and 117 000 people coming from the Dutch Antilles and Aruba. The second compartment concerns curative care. Approximately 63% of the Dutch population is publicly insured via the Health Insurance Act. A limited market operation applies to this compartment. The general practitioner (GP) has a central position in Dutch healthcare. Somebody with health complaints first contacts the GP for advice, if he or she thinks self-care is insufficient. A typical healthcare centre accommodates GPs, community nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, dieticians, speech therapists, and a pharmacy. Most healthcare centres are located in urban areas.
