What are the responsibilities of the private sector in health care?
Symposium Outline
International companies like Heineken accept more direct responsibilities for health care and related activities. The company’s main concern is to safeguard the health of employees, rather than organising public national health care, which is primarily the responsibility of governments. Yet companies do accept additional responsibilities in those countries where primary public health care is insufficient and if this has an impact on employee performance.
The 2007 symposium was a great success. More than 150 invited prominent guests attended the event, including government representatives, foreign dignitaries, representatives of many multinational corporations, academics, medical practitioners, representatives from NGOs and members of the Heineken Executive Committee.
Following the afternoon’s keynote speakers, moderator Paul Hohnen from Sustainability Strategies opened up the floor for questions. An inspiring debate on the many aspects of opportunities and limitations of health care in resource-poor settings followed.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to health care both within and outside Heineken for more than 24 years, Dr Henk Rijckborst was invested with the insignia of Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. His Excellency Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation, presented Henk Rijckborst with his medal. A great honour for both Henk Rijckborst and Heineken.