Handbook on Health Councils released in Denmark

In January 2026, the Handbook on Health Councils was released by the Danish Regions, the Ministry of the Interior and Health, and Local Government Denmark. The handbook explains the role, structure, responsibilities, and financing of the new Health Councils (Sundhedsråd) introduced as part of the ongoing Health Reform. 

During the transition year 2026, 17 preparatory Health Councils will be established to develop the organization, tasks, and working methods of the permanent Health Councils, which will formally come into force on January 1, 2027. Health Councils are composed of elected members from both regional councils and municipal councils within the council’s geographic area and operate as standing political committees within the regions, rather than as independent authorities. Their purpose is to support the reform’s goals of stronger healthcare services closer to citizens, improved coordination across sectors, and greater equity in access to care. 

Health Councils are responsible for developing healthcare services in their areas and for prioritizing resources based on the specific needs of the local population, within financial frameworks delegated by the regional council. Their tasks include overseeing newly transferred health services, such as acute nursing, patient-oriented prevention, specialized rehabilitation, and regional health and care beds, strengthening cooperation between hospitals, general practice, psychiatry, and municipalities, and preparing Local Health Plans aligned with national and regional strategies.

The full details in Danish can be found here.

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