Why the Netherlands needs a single health data infrastructure – now

Data to improve patient care

With a national integrated health data infrastructure, which makes data accessible to those responsible parties seeking AI solutions, we can improve on patient care, public health, disease prevention and economic impact – speeding up medical developments by an estimated 10 to 12 years.

Even alone, Amsterdam has access to many of the required moving parts to bring it to the national level: an ethical data stewardship infrastructure, brainpower, testing grounds, engaged policymakers, and the awareness that these innovations involve a delicate dance between private and public entities. We even have a large and intense rainbow of like-minded startups.

The time is ripe…

Plus, a global pandemic has galvanized the life sciences and health sector. With the COVID-19 crisis, the medical community – public, private and policy players – have come together to fight this deadly disease, not only in the Netherlands but all over the world.

Now, let’s use this momentum to revolutionise healthcare – for the benefit of all.

Read the full essay by Amsterdam Economic Board’s former health lead Jeroen Maas.