Millions needed to reduce infant mortality   

By The Holland Times Tuesday 12 January 2010, 08:01

Additional millions are needed to reduce infant mortality in the Netherlands, said Health Minister Ab Klink (CDA) late Wednesday. The Minister’s proposal comes after an expert report on birth security.

Klink wants considerable funding for health needs over the next years, with extra money being made available for safe births. Additionally, the Minister says more gynaecologists and midwives are needed.

Because these extra funds should come from the health budget, Klink says cuts must be made in other areas of public health.

In the Netherlands, more babies die shortly before, during or immediately after birth than in any other European country. Only births in France and Latvia fare worse. 

A commission has recommended making more doctors and other medical personnel available around the clock to help hospitals with complications. Most births are done in the home, but in case of emergency, these experts should be ready in hospital within fifteen minutes.

According to Klink, infant mortality has a significant impact on parents, brothers and sisters. “The effects continue to thunder with the families sometimes decades later,” he said.

The Minister wants to reduce mortality at birth by half over the next five years, calling it the “solemn duty” of the Netherlands to do so. He is expected to send a letter with further proposals to the House next month.