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Health

Public health and care system updates: hospitals, GPs, outbreaks, insurance, access.

"Super Flu" in England May Soon Reach the Netherlands, Experts Warn

Dec 17, 2025

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4 min read

"Super Flu" in England May Soon Reach the Netherlands, Experts Warn

After record flu pressure in England, Dutch experts brace for similar impact at home.

Health

EU Drug Rules May Threaten Life-Saving Hospital Medicines

Dec 8, 2025

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3 min read

EU Drug Rules May Threaten Life-Saving Hospital Medicines

Dutch pharmacists and minister warn that banning “collegial delivery” could leave patients without essential treatments.

Health

Tiger Mosquito Likely to Become Permanent Resident of Netherlands Within Five Years

Dec 5, 2025

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6 min read

Tiger Mosquito Likely to Become Permanent Resident of Netherlands Within Five Years

Experts warn the Asian tiger mosquito is spreading faster, bringing a future risk of tropical diseases.

Health

Around 100,000 in the Netherlands Denied Medical Care Due to Lack of Insurance

Dec 2, 2025

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4 min read

Around 100,000 in the Netherlands Denied Medical Care Due to Lack of Insurance

Inspectorate finds many providers still refuse treatment to people without insurance, uninsured migrants, homeless people and undocumented residents are most affected.

Health

Maternity Care Still Not Available in All Regions in The Netherlands

Nov 11, 2025

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3 min read

Maternity Care Still Not Available in All Regions in The Netherlands

Despite broad availability, many vulnerable women face barriers to timely and adequate pregnancy support in certain regions.

Health

Netherlands Considers Adding Weight-Loss Drugs to Health Insurance Coverage

Nov 6, 2025

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3 min read

Netherlands Considers Adding Weight-Loss Drugs to Health Insurance Coverage

Health institute launches new review of Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss medications after previously rejecting including them in the insurance coverage.

Health

Netherlands Cancels Plan to Lower Healthcare Deductible from €385 to €165

Nov 5, 2025

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3 min read

Netherlands Cancels Plan to Lower Healthcare Deductible from €385 to €165

Government cancels plan to lower yearly health costs after experts warn it would make monthly insurance payments go up instead.

Health

Economy

Bacterial Contamination Forces Boil-Water Advisory Across Utrecht and Other Areas

Nov 3, 2025

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3 min read

Bacterial Contamination Forces Boil-Water Advisory Across Utrecht and Other Areas

Enterococci bacteria found in reservoir calls for strict safety measures, coffee machines offline and residents are urged to boil water as testing continues.

Health

Environment

Breaking

Dutch Military and Hospitals Step Up War-Readiness Planning

Oct 31, 2025

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3 min read

Dutch Military and Hospitals Step Up War-Readiness Planning

Netherlands is preparing hospitals and military medical systems for potential wartime casualties as European security concerns grow.

Health

Breaking

More Adults Now Listed as Organ Donors by Default

Oct 14, 2025

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3 min read

More Adults Now Listed as Organ Donors by Default

About 3.33 million adults, especially many aged 18–25, haven’t recorded a choice under the 2020 opt-out law and are registered as “no objection” to donation.

Health

Legal

Groningen Wants to Treat Sick and Injured Gaza Children

Sep 11, 2025

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2 min read

Groningen Wants to Treat Sick and Injured Gaza Children

The city backs Amsterdam’s call and UMCG says it is ready to help, but care can start only if the cabinet authorises medical evacuations and visas.

Health

Breaking

Everything About Finding a GP in Groningen

Sep 4, 2025

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5 min read

Everything About Finding a GP in Groningen

How to register with a huisarts (GP), what to expect at appointments, after-hours care, and what to do if practices are full.

Health

Guides

Groningen Sees Rise in Unhealthy Drinking

Jul 30, 2025

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3 min read

Groningen Sees Rise in Unhealthy Drinking

Over 60% of city residents exceed recommended alcohol limits, placing Groningen among the top three provinces for unhealthy consumption.

Health

Nearly 200,000 Dutch Residents Still Without a GP

Jul 15, 2025

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3 min read

Nearly 200,000 Dutch Residents Still Without a GP

With nearly 200,000 residents lacking a general practitioner (GP) and thousands more struggling for access, health officials warn of growing risks and call for immediate action.

Health

Swimmer’s Itch Hits Hoornseplas Again, Avoid These Swimming Spots for Now

Jun 24, 2025

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2 min read

Swimmer’s Itch Hits Hoornseplas Again, Avoid These Swimming Spots for Now

Health warnings issued across Groningen as flatworm larvae cause irritation in popular swimming areas.

Health

Groningen Struggles with High Smoking Rates as Vaping and Drug Use Rise

Jun 17, 2025

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2 min read

Groningen Struggles with High Smoking Rates as Vaping and Drug Use Rise

Despite national efforts to reduce smoking, Groningen continues to report some of the highest rates in the country, with a notable increase in vaping and drug use among young adults.

Health

UMCG Launches FemHealthData to Advance Research and Care for Women

May 26, 2025

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3 min read

UMCG Launches FemHealthData to Advance Research and Care for Women

New Groningen-based database combines data from over 108,000 women to improve long-term understanding of women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health.

Health

Community

Gaps in Groningen Healthcare — Why Access Is Getting Harder for Many

May 19, 2025

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4 min read

Gaps in Groningen Healthcare — Why Access Is Getting Harder for Many

Long waiting times, digital barriers, and rising costs make care less accessible—especially for vulnerable residents.

Health

Ambulance Bike Team Back in Action Every Saturday in Groningen City Centre

Apr 4, 2025

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2 min read

Ambulance Bike Team Back in Action Every Saturday in Groningen City Centre

Groningen deploys ambulance bike team every weekend to ensure faster emergency response in busy city centre.

Health

Groningen Extends Dental Cost Reimbursement to Support Low-Income Residents

Mar 19, 2025

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2 min read

Groningen Extends Dental Cost Reimbursement to Support Low-Income Residents

As part of a broader fight against poverty, the municipality continues financial aid for essential dental care while offering additional support for those facing financial hardship.

Health

Emergency Response Times in the Netherlands Hit Lowest Levels in a Decade

Mar 17, 2025

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3 min read

Emergency Response Times in the Netherlands Hit Lowest Levels in a Decade

Police, ambulance, and fire services struggle to meet targets amid staffing shortages and rising emergencies

Health

Breaking

Netherlands to Scrap Plastic Tax on Takeaway Containers

Mar 15, 2025

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3 min read

Netherlands to Scrap Plastic Tax on Takeaway Containers

Consumers in the Netherlands will no longer pay extra for single-use plastic containers starting in 2026

Health

Economy

Flu Epidemic Strains Groningen Hospitals and GP Practices

Feb 3, 2025

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3 min read

Flu Epidemic Strains Groningen Hospitals and GP Practices

Local healthcare facilities and GP practices overwhelmed amid sharp increase in flu infections. Unless symptoms are severe, doctors advise to stay home.

Health

Medical Drones Set to Boost Emergency Care in Northern Netherlands

Nov 6, 2024

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2 min read

Medical Drones Set to Boost Emergency Care in Northern Netherlands

UMCG’s “Yellow Bird” drones could begin delivering vital medical supplies across the region within two to three years, helping to address critical healthcare challenges.

Health

Hospital Care Accessibility in Northern Netherlands Under Severe Pressure

Oct 17, 2024

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3 min read

Hospital Care Accessibility in Northern Netherlands Under Severe Pressure

Staff shortages, outdated facilities, and long travel times are impacting emergency care in the region.

Health

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News for internationals in the Netherlands.

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