On October 1, Amsterdam's first outpatient clinic dedicated to immigrant patients, Vatan, will open its doors. Founded by six doctors of Turkish descent, the clinic primarily serves first-generation immigrants seeking culturally sensitive care.
Many Turks, frustrated with aspects of Dutch healthcare—with health insurer Agis estimating around 30,000 traveling to Turkey annually for treatment—stand to benefit. Pediatrician Sukru Genco of Vatan argues this is unnecessary. Patients often face overtreatment or mishandling abroad, despite paying taxes and health insurance premiums in the Netherlands—they deserve quality care at home.
The Younger Generation
Current challenges stem from reduced multilingual resources in hospitals, where patients are expected to adapt quickly. This approach has failed the first generation, Genco told the Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool. He anticipates the clinic won't be needed in a decade, as younger immigrants integrate better into Dutch healthcare.
Patients at Vatan require a referral from a general practitioner or specialist. Consultations are billed to health insurers like standard visits, with no invasive procedures performed.
Genco estimates 90% of Turks currently treated in Turkey would choose a clinic like Vatan. He also welcomes Moroccan doctors to join, broadening the clinic's reach.
