Denmark’s ‘Health Close to You’ Reform Set to Reshape Copenhagen Care from 2027

Denmark’s comprehensive health reform, ‘Health Close to You,’ will bring sweeping changes to healthcare delivery in Copenhagen when it takes effect on January 1, 2027. Under the reform, the Capital Region and Region Zealand will merge into a new entity, ‘Region Eastern Denmark,’ responsible for serving 2.7 million people, including residents of the capital. The restructuring is one of the most significant administrative overhauls in Danish healthcare in decades and is designed to shift the focus away from hospitals and toward stronger primary and community-based care.

For Copenhageners, the reform means that general practitioners will remain the mandatory first point of contact for medical care, not hospitals. The government has committed to training 5,000 new GPs by 2035 to meet growing demand and reduce waiting times. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and heart disease can expect more structured care pathways that coordinate treatment across different providers, aiming to avoid fragmented care.

Digital Expansion and Local Governance

Residents will also see an expansion of digital health services, including more telehealth consultations and online follow-ups, reducing the need to travel to clinics or hospitals for routine appointments. This is particularly aimed at improving access for those with mobility issues or living in areas with fewer local services. On the governance side, 17 new collaborative ‘health councils’ will be established to manage local healthcare development. These councils are tasked with integrating primary care, specialist services, and mental health support, ensuring that psychiatric and somatic care are organisationally joined rather than handled separately.

Investment Commitments and Infrastructure

The government has allocated significant financial resources to back the reform. A health fund worth DKK 24 billion will be used to modernise hospitals and medical technology, while an additional DKK 3.5 billion is earmarked for local health infrastructure. Annual investments are projected to reach DKK 6.4 billion by 2030. These funds are expected to support new facilities, digital upgrades, and workforce expansion across the capital region. The reform’s architects aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments by strengthening prevention and early intervention at the GP level.

Implementation is already underway, with the Danish Health Authority initiating key preparatory tasks. The structural changes are set to be fully operational from the start of 2027. While the reform has been broadly welcomed by patient advocacy groups and health professionals, its success will depend on whether the promised investments in GP training and digital infrastructure materialise on the ground. Copenhagen residents are likely to notice gradual improvements in access to primary care and more coordinated management of long-term conditions over the next several years.