The Dutch Parliament is demanding immediate action to address the failing mental healthcare system, citing too many fatal incidents and a lack of progress in implementing recommendations from a parliamentary exploration.

Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed dissatisfaction with the current cabinet’s response to the 25 recommendations that arose from last year’s parliamentary investigation, noting that only a few have been adopted. GL-PvdA MP Songül Mutluer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the problem requires a solution now, not in the distant future.

The debate involved the Minister of Justice and Security, the Minister of the Interior, and two State Secretaries responsible for Prevention and Long-Term Care. Several MPs pointed out that the involvement of numerous ministers highlights a central issue: a lack of clear responsibility. They are advocating for Judith Uitermark (Interior Affairs, NSC) to permanently assume the role of “process director” to ensure accountability. Uitermark, while intending to fulfill the role for two years, clarified that she does not want to be solely responsible for the problem.

The police are consistently dealing with reports concerning individuals exhibiting confused or incomprehensible behavior, with estimates suggesting this requires the equivalent of 400 to 600 full-time employees annually.

Calls for fundamental reform of the healthcare system intensified earlier this year following the death of 11-year-old Sohani, who was fatally stabbed by Hamzah L. Previous similar cases revealed recurring issues such as insufficient information exchange between police and care institutions, leading to perpetrators being inadequately known prior to incidents, or patients not receiving appropriate care.

The shortcomings extend beyond the estimated 1,500 complex psychiatric patients who pose a potential danger. There is also a group of 10,000 to 30,000 psychiatric patients who neglect themselves, cause disturbances, or are vulnerable to becoming victims of crime. Aid workers report that these individuals frequently do not receive the necessary care.

Elsa Doze of Fivoor, a mental healthcare institution specializing in forensic and intensive psychiatry, joined the police in advocating for a simplified healthcare system. Doze highlighted the challenges faced by aid workers navigating a complex web of laws and regulations, hindering their ability to effectively assist complex psychiatric patients. She believes simplification should start at the national level, with a single minister ultimately responsible.