Prof Ernst Kuipers

Prof. Dr. Ernst Kuipers is the former Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands. Since 1 May 2026, he has served as Chair of the Executive Board of DICA-IKNL (the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing and the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation).

Before serving as Minister, Kuipers was CEO of the largest hospital in The Netherlands (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam). In addition, he became the chairman of the National Acute Care Network (LNAZ) in 2015, where he played a prominent role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Kuipers is a gastroenterologist, and renowned for his research on stomach cancer. He was member of the group at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) that worked on a population screening programme for bowel cancer. 

As physician and former CEO of a hospital he understands the potential impact of AMR in health care very well. AMR is a priority for the Netherlands. Over a long period, the Netherlands has shown leadership in the fight against AMR. Kuipers is committed to continue this fight, both at national and international level.