Denmark Proves 25 Years of Change: 'Strengthening Patient Rights Completes Healthcare'

In Denmark, patient advocacy groups have become integral to shaping healthcare policy over the last quarter-century. Jesper Fisker, head of the Danish Cancer Society, stated that while Denmark is a leader in patient rights in Europe, there is still much work to be done to ensure patients are fully involved as "subjects" in the healthcare system.

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Are patients fully participating as 'subjects' in the Danish healthcare system?

Fisker, a former health official and now CEO of the Danish Cancer Society, has been instrumental in this shift. During his tenure as head of the Danish Health Authority, he collaborated with patient groups to create national cancer plans and "standard treatment guidelines." This initiative significantly reduced treatment waiting times for cancer patients by reallocating resources and guaranteeing timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.

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No. Not enough. There is still much work to be done.

At a recent "Korea-Denmark Patient-Centered Healthcare Dialogue" in Seoul, Fisker shared insights on patient advocacy. He emphasized that the core of patient rights movements is building and maintaining trust. He also highlighted the importance of financial independence for patient groups, noting that Danish organizations limit private industry funding to less than 5% of their total budget, with even stricter limits from pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

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Patient rights activities are among the most advanced in Europe, and Denmark is one of the leading countries.

This dialogue, organized by the Danish Embassy in Korea and five Danish healthcare companies, aimed to discuss effective ways to incorporate patient voices into policy and practice. It also explored the importance of international cooperation in advancing patient-centered healthcare, a concept that South Korea is actively working to implement.

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The core of the patient rights movement is to gain trust and continuously maintain that trust.