THE DANISH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM RANKS NUMBER 2

The extra financial means invested in the healthcare sector and the long-term strategic investment in transparency and measurements seem to be successful. Denmark is now one of the countries in which Health Consumer Powerhouse points out real improvements over time compared with other countries.

According to European Health Consumer Index (EHCI) 2008 the annual analysis of the healthcare systems in the EU, the Danish healthcare system ranks 2 out of 31 countries. The Netherlands has top ranking with 839 points followed by Denmark (top ranking in the diabetes index 2008), Austria (top ranking in EHCI 2007), Luxembourg and Sweden.

Within six categories, covering 34 performance criteria, Denmark has 820 points out of 1,000 possible. In spite of the impressive results and a climb of 7 in the index from 9th to 2nd position outstanding results with regard to Patient rights and information as well as e-Health (and a leading position in Europe in 2008 for diabetes treatment) the Danish results can still be improved. The good Danish ranking is primarily a result of new efforts within information communication and to a lesser extent better results in the healthcare sector itself.

About the EHCI
The Euro Health Consumer Index is the annual ranking of national European healthcare systems within six key areas. The areas are Patients’ rights and information, e-Health, Waiting time for treatment, Outcomes, Range and reach of services provided and Access to pharmaceuticals. 31 countries are covered this year. First published in 2005, the EHCI is sourced from public statistics and independent research. The producer is the analysis and information organisation Health Consumer Powerhouse. As with all other HCP Indexes, the organisation takes a consumer-centred position.

For more information and the explanatory report: http://www.healthpowerhouse.com/archives/cat_media_room.html