Waiting times for the Belgian emergency GP hotline, 1733, can now stretch up to 45 minutes, De Standaard reported on Monday.
The hotline was introduced to provide access to after-hours GP services, allowing patients to call 1733 in the evening, at night, or on weekends.
Callers describe their symptoms to an operator, who then advises on the appropriate level of care. The aim of the system is to reduce unnecessary pressure on doctors by properly triaging urgent and non-urgent cases.
However, staff shortages are straining the system, leaving patients, doctors, and nurses increasingly frustrated.
Vulnerable patients are reportedly being left without adequate care, and many who cannot get through are turning to hospital emergency services, further burdening already overstretched resources.
The Ministry of Health referred inquiries to the Ministry of the Interior, which acknowledged the issue. The ministry stated that "several recruitment processes" are underway to reinforce operations.
Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has also responded, confirming his commitment to developing "sustainable solutions" for the ongoing challenges.
