Healthcare
The Danish healthcare system is undergoing a structural reorganisation. Waiting times have fallen significantly after the "Emergency Plan", but demographic pressure, recruitment challenges and the privatisation debate continue to shape the picture.
SUMMARY
The Danish healthcare system is undergoing a structural reorganisation. Waiting times have fallen significantly after the "Emergency Plan", but demographic pressure, recruitment challenges and the privatisation debate continue to shape the picture. Avg. waiting time for somatic treatment (Q2 2024): 40 days (Danske Regioner 2024). Cancer patients treated on time (2024): >99% (Indenrigs- og Sundhedsministeriet 2025).
KEY FIGURES
See statistics in the charts below ↓
EVIDENCE BASE
The average waiting time for somatic treatment fell to 40 days in Q2 2024 -- the lowest level in three years -- following targeted action under the Emergency Plan.
Over 99% of all cancer patients were treated within maximum waiting times in 2024 -- achieved through targeted resource prioritisation under Cancer Plan V.
Denmark spends roughly 10% of GDP on healthcare -- in line with the OECD average. Resources are unevenly distributed geographically, and health inequality follows socioeconomic background.
The shortage of nurses and care workers is a structural problem. The growing number of elderly and a high part-time rate are expected to intensify the challenge towards 2030.
STATISTICS AND DATA
PARTY POSITIONS
Importance shows how central this topic is to each party's platform.
