TY - CHAP

T1 - Denmark

AU - Vrangbæk, Karsten

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - This chapter uses the neo-Weberian and neo-institutionalist frameworks to analyse developments in the Danish health system. Developments are presented and discussed with reference to the main stakeholder groups in the health sector, in particular healthcare professionals, state, regional and local governments, patients and the medical–industrial complex. The chapter shows that historical ambitions and political compromises have created a system that is not only state regulated, largely funded by taxation and dominated by public ownership of hospitals but also subject to gradual ongoing reform – some of which have been influenced by the New Public Management. The system also has significant private components in terms of voluntary supplementary insurance to cover co-payments, and reliance on outpatient general and specialist practices that are privately owned and managed, but tightly integrated into public planning and regulation and largely funded by public means. Such features are shown to be rooted in political responses to specific historical conditions that provide a specific hybrid flavour to the Danish version of the Nordic National Health Service. The system performs relatively well in terms of population health – and its resilience is highlighted by its positive response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

AB - This chapter uses the neo-Weberian and neo-institutionalist frameworks to analyse developments in the Danish health system. Developments are presented and discussed with reference to the main stakeholder groups in the health sector, in particular healthcare professionals, state, regional and local governments, patients and the medical–industrial complex. The chapter shows that historical ambitions and political compromises have created a system that is not only state regulated, largely funded by taxation and dominated by public ownership of hospitals but also subject to gradual ongoing reform – some of which have been influenced by the New Public Management. The system also has significant private components in terms of voluntary supplementary insurance to cover co-payments, and reliance on outpatient general and specialist practices that are privately owned and managed, but tightly integrated into public planning and regulation and largely funded by public means. Such features are shown to be rooted in political responses to specific historical conditions that provide a specific hybrid flavour to the Danish version of the Nordic National Health Service. The system performs relatively well in terms of population health – and its resilience is highlighted by its positive response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

U2 - 10.4324/9781003139799-8

DO - 10.4324/9781003139799-8

M3 - Book chapter

T3 - Routledge Studies in Health and Social Welfare

SP - 90

EP - 109

BT - National Health Services of Western Europe

A2 - null, Guido Giarelli

A2 - null, Mike Saks

PB - Routledge

CY - London

ER -