It is a great pleasure for me to be here in Warsaw. And I would like to thank Mr. Krawczyk and his staff for what was a very interesting visit to the Warsaw Medical University earlier today.

Poland and Denmark are both striving to meet the same challenge: Our populations are ageing and more people are developing chronic conditions.

Although it is good news that people are living longer it does pose problems for our healthcare systems. A growing ageing population together with new treatments call for a more efficient and modern healthcare system.

And when, a few years ago, a 100-year old man finishes a marathon – and then does it again a year after – we know that conventional conceptions of old age must change. And the key to a healthy and active old age we know is a healthy lifestyle from the very beginning of life.

That is why in Denmark, prevention and treatment are seen as equally important.

Firstly, many diseases are developed over a lifetime and appear only at an older age. Some of these diseases could be avoided or limited by adjusting our lifestyles. It is our responsibility as a society to design a framework for good health. And good health starts far away from hospitals.  

Secondly, we must do our utmost to raise the quality of life of those who are suffering from disease. We must empower patients in their treatment: Empowered patients are able to influence and manage their own health. This way we can give patients a better quality of life.

Patient empowerment is an asset; it improves the quality and safety of the treatment. It can lead to a more efficient use of resources in healthcare system and last but not least, it improves patient satisfaction.

In Denmark the public and private sector cooperate closely in this process. Danish pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers invest significantly in research addressing the needs identified by the public healthcare sector.      

These partnerships contribute to a constant flow of innovative and improved healthcare solutions. Such a long term approach requires large upfront investment but, will result in declining costs in the long-term.

We are of course, more than happy to share our experiences and knowledge.  And I encourage you to visit Denmark and experience firsthand the Danish healthcare model.

An ageing population is a good thing and we need to respect older people as rich sources of wisdom and experience, as assets for society and not burdens. But with an aging population comes an increase in chronic diseases and this is a societal problem. A problem we must address together.

Thank you.