The Brussels-Capital Region is challenging the distribution of new MRI machines across the country, which it argues unfairly favours other regions, according to a statement by Brussels Health Minister Alain Maron on Tuesday.
In late May, a royal decree amended the maximum number of MRI machines that could be operated in the country and specified how many would be allocated to each region. The decree approved 20 additional machines that would only be installed in Wallonia and Flanders (which received five and 15, respectively).
In his statement, Maron highlighted the recommendations of health organisations and experts who argue Belgium needs 38 more MRI machines. But due to budget restrictions, only 20 were approved.
Maron pointed to the long waiting times for MRIs in Brussels, adding that some hospitals are operating tests in the middle of the night to process the backlog. The minister said that the decision as to where the expensive medical equipment is placed was politically motivated and "unfairly favours certain regions".
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More broadly, Maron spoke of systemic neglect for healthcare in the Capital Region, which he argues are not given sufficient resources despite the region catering to the needs of many Belgian residents: "30% of patients treated each day by Brussels hospitals are not residents of the region. When it comes to diagnostic exams, such as MRIs, the number is even higher."
Maron deemed the decision made by Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke about where new MRI machines are installed "profoundly unfair". He warned that it will undermine the quality of healthcare for the people of Brussels and everyone else who is treated in Brussels hospitals.
The appeal has been approved by the United College of the Common Community Commission (COCOM) and will be pursued by Vivalis, the COCOM’s administration.
