The new health package was drawn up after numerous reports and stories emerged from cancer patients who did not receive treatments or have yet to receive their treatments due to excessively long waiting periods at Aarhus University Hospital. “It is a failure, no matter how you spin it (referring to the issues faced by the patients and the healthcare system),” Mette said, adding that the government needs to “restore confidence in the Danish cancer treatment (sector)”. Key takeaways from the health plan are:
- In 2023 and 2024, 400 million DKK emergency funding for cancer treatment.
- From 2025, 600 million DKK will be set aside annually for cancer treatment.
- A new monitoring system to ensure shorter waiting times for cancer treatments.
- A special monitoring unit to look into hospital capacity challenges and how to best utilize resources.
- Extra funds to receive treatment abroad if local options are unavailable.
- A national screening program for lung cancer.
