Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center officially open

On Friday, March 7, Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten and VNO-NCW President Ingrid Thijssen officially opened the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center. They were joined by Stefan Sleijfer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Professor Angela Maas, Emeritus Professor of Cardiology for Women.

In the coming years, the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center will consolidate existing knowledge and expertise on women’s health. The goal is to develop new insights, diagnostics, therapies, medications, and technologies tailored to women’s specific health needs.

Empowerment

In her speech, Mayor Schouten expressed surprise at the need for a dedicated women’s health research center. ‘How did we get to a point where we need a special center for women’s health research? What has happened to the position of women in society and healthcare over the past decades? This is not just a health issue—it is an issue of emancipation.’

Economic significance

For Ingrid Thijssen, equitable healthcare for women is a fundamental right. ‘Closing the centuries-old health gap between men and women is not only an economic necessity but, above all, a moral obligation—a matter of fairness and equality for half the world’s population.’

Research

The Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center is an initiative by internist Jeanine Roeters van Lennep, Head of Research & Development Office Greet Vink, and Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery Hanneke Takkenberg. ‘The center will bring together physicians, academics, patients, consumers, and policymakers to investigate the factors influencing women’s health and well-being throughout their lives,’ says Greet Vink.

Poor health

According to Vink, this research is crucial. ‘Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men. This affects not only their well-being but also the economy and society as a whole.’

Billions in savings

Studies indicate that more effective healthcare for women could lead to significant financial savings. Providing women with the tailored care they need could save the Dutch healthcare system over €7.6 billion. Additionally, the knowledge gap in women’s health results in an estimated annual loss of €12.6 billion in Gross National Product. Innovations in women’s healthcare could offset 42% of this loss. The brand-new Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center at Erasmus MC aims to address these challenges and improve healthcare for women.

Read more about the Netherlands Women’s Health Research & Innovation Center on Amazing Erasmus MC or visit the Center’s website.

Date: March 11, 2025
Source: PharmaSource