The Government’s new healthcare reform falls short of the Moderates’ election program, where the party aimed to abolish the regions. However, they were unable to achieve this in negotiations with the Social Democrats and Venstre.
– We will now have four regions instead of five. If you had asked me, it could have been even fewer, says Lars Løkke Rasmussen at the presentation of the new reform.
In the healthcare reform, Region Zealand is merged with the Capital Region, resulting in four regions out of five. Additionally, a new democratic body, the Health Council, is established to bridge the gap between citizens and regions to create greater proximity.
### More Ways to Achieve the Goal
Moderate’s healthcare spokesperson, Monika Rubin, acknowledges that it is “no secret” that the party wanted to abolish the five regions.
– We campaigned on one road to Rome, and now we have reached the goal through a different route. The most important thing is that we achieve the goal. If we had 90 seats, we might have done it differently, but we are very pleased with this reform.
She further explains that the party has managed to implement other initiatives instead.
– If we had just abolished the regions, as was on the table in the government negotiations, we would not have achieved all the other advancements we are getting with this healthcare reform.
The Moderates emphasize that the proposal shifts responsibility from the regions to a national level and from municipalities to a regional level. The new structure with local health councils ensures less geographical inequality.
– For us, it is essential that we reach the goal. The way we get there is secondary. What we campaigned on was to have more proximity and equality for the sake of patients. And that is exactly what we are achieving with this healthcare reform, says Monika Rubin.
### Analysis:
The revised healthcare reform in Denmark showcases a compromise between the Moderates’ desire to abolish regions and the government’s push for a different approach. While the original plan aimed for five regions, the new reform will maintain four regions, merging Region Zealand with the Capital Region.
The introduction of the Health Council aims to enhance communication between citizens and healthcare institutions, fostering greater proximity and accountability. The Moderates highlight the importance of achieving the overarching goal of improving healthcare access and equality for patients, even if the path taken differs from their initial proposal.
Overall, the reform seeks to address geographical disparities in healthcare services by redistributing responsibilities at national and regional levels, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable healthcare system.