Health Minister Edith Schippers has announced an independent investigation into the Netherlands' handling of the 2009 swine flu outbreak, focusing on pharmaceutical industry influence.
At the insistence of the PVV, PvdA, and SP parties, Minister Schippers committed to this probe today, examining the industry's role in shaping the government's response.
Key Questions
Lawmakers question the independence of Health Council advice. Predecessor Ab Klink followed it by ordering 34 million vaccines in 2009. With the outbreak far milder than feared, half were destroyed.
Schippers told parliament she would have acted similarly amid immense pressure from the new, unknown virus. "Vaccine shortages were severe worldwide, and demand was universal. You step up or step aside grumbling," she explained. She recognized industry pressures and seeks to mitigate them in future.
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Confidential Details
Schippers addressed concerns over the expensive vaccine purchases, noting experts often have industry research ties. Parliament was briefed confidentially on prices and contracts in 2010.
