After six years as President of AIM, Loek Caubo has concluded his term of office. He hands over the presidency to Yannick Lucas, his French colleague, who will lead AIM into its next chapter.

During his farewell address, Loek Caubo reflected on a central issue for mutuals and not-for-profit health insurers: the need to protect solidarity in healthcare and society.

“Solidarity is the foundation of society and of the healthcare system we all want. But solidarity is under pressure, while people, because of the focus on market forces in today’s society, are increasingly treated as customers. And then, of course, they will behave as customers.

In a small community, people—family, friends and neighbours—have genuine personal relationships with one another and help each other out. As citizens, people have rights and responsibilities and, by casting their votes in elections, they share responsibility for public policy. But customers have no such responsibility; they simply ask for or demand ‘value for money’. But a society in which ‘we’ is supplanted by ‘I’ is ultimately no longer a society.

AIM members, mutuals and not-for-profit health insurers should keep working to build broader support for mutual responsibility, as it is the basis for solidarity.”

His message is a timely reminder that healthcare cannot be reduced to a transaction. Mutual responsibility, access to care and social cohesion remain essential foundations for sustainable and equitable health systems.

AIM warmly thanks Loek Caubo for his dedication, leadership and commitment over the past six years. We congratulate Yannick Lucas on his appointment and wish him every success as he assumes the presidency.