In this episode, I speak with Professor Hans Severens, former Vice Chair of the Dutch Health Council and a key figure in health technology assessment at ZIN in the Netherlands.

We dig into how the Netherlands is advancing value-based pricing frameworks, why severity of disease may outweigh rarity in reimbursement discussions, and the pressures of sustaining a publicly funded system in the face of high-cost therapies.

Hans brings a considered and critical lens to how access decisions are made, and offers a Dutch perspective on balancing economic realism with equity and innovation.

About The Payer Exchange

The Payer Exchange is a podcast where Omar Ali, Head of Payers at Verpora, sits down with payers from around the world to talk candidly about what’s shaping access, value, and decision-making in their markets.

The series covers a range of consistent themes across markets—such as horizon scanning, indication-based pricing, rare diseases, and system sustainability—while also highlighting country-specific dynamics. By asking the same core questions in each conversation, the podcast reveals both common pressures and contrasting approaches across healthcare systems.

The Payer Exchange is designed for professionals working in market access, pricing, policy, and strategy who want a deeper understanding of how payers are approaching the increasingly complex landscape of pharmaceutical innovation.

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as legal or policy advice. All content is based on non-confidential intelligence. Views expressed by the speakers are personal opinions and should not be attributed to anyone else. No part of this presentation may be reproduced for commercial purposes without the express permission of Omar Ali, Verpora Limited.