MPs and insurance companies are demanding action to close loopholes which allowed the Volkskrant newspaper to set up a fully licenced addiction clinic without any proper checks.

The Volkskrant was able to register and licence the clinic, which qualified for health insurance cover, by filling in three forms via the internet and making a visit to the chamber of commerce.

Describing the current system of checking up on private clinics as a ‘farce’, MPs have unanimously called on health minister Edith Schippers to set up tough quality standards for clinics before they are officially open for business.

D66 MP Pia Dijkstra said the automatic payment for treatment by insurers should stop. ‘If addicts [went to the Volkskrant clinic], insurers would have to pay for their treatment even though they have no idea what goes on there,’ Dijkstra said. ‘That is so wrong.’