Els Borst

Dutch politician and physician

Else "Els" Borst-Eilers (22 March 1932 – 8 February 2014) was a prominent Dutch politician and physician. She was a member of the Democrats 66 (D66) party and served as the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport from 1994 to 2002. Borst was also the Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1998 to 2002.

Early life and education

Els Borst was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She pursued her medical studies at the University of Amsterdam, where she graduated with a degree in medicine. Borst further specialized in pediatrics and later in medical ethics.

Medical career

Before entering politics, Borst had a distinguished career in the medical field. She worked as a pediatrician and later became involved in medical administration. Borst served as the director of the University Medical Center Utrecht and was a member of several health-related boards and committees.

Political career

Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport

Els Borst in February 2002

In 1994, Els Borst was appointed as the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in the First Kok cabinet. During her tenure, she was instrumental in implementing significant health care reforms. Borst was a strong advocate for patient rights and worked towards improving the accessibility and quality of health care in the Netherlands.

One of her notable achievements was the introduction of the Euthanasia Act, which legalized euthanasia under strict conditions. This legislation was groundbreaking and made the Netherlands one of the first countries to legalize euthanasia.

Deputy Prime Minister

In 1998, Borst was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister in the Second Kok cabinet. She continued to focus on health care policies and was involved in various social welfare initiatives.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from active politics in 2002, Borst remained active in public life. She was involved in various organizations and continued to advocate for health care and ethical issues.

Els Borst at a D66 Congress in Breda

Els Borst's contributions to Dutch society were recognized with several honors. She was made a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Death

Els Borst passed away on 8 February 2014. Her death was widely mourned, and she was remembered as a pioneering figure in Dutch politics and health care.

Honors

Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion

• Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
• Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau

Related pages

• Democrats 66
• Euthanasia in the Netherlands
• University of Amsterdam