The cost of caring for the sick and the elderly will rise explosively in the coming years, from 11 billion in 2009, to nearly 25 billion in 2030. These are the conclusions of a study published by the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) on Friday.
This forecast covers care for the elderly, the physically disabled and the sick, either living at home or in nursing homes.
The SCP writes that the cost of public health care is rising faster than GDP in the Netherlands, resulting in an even greater burden on public expenditure.
In 2009, 1.2 million people needed care, which is equivalent to 11 percent of the population over 30. In 2030, that number will have grown to 1.6 million. However, the SCP says it is not demand but the fact that care itself is becoming more expensive that is the main reason for the increased expenditure.
(gsh/hs/dd)
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