Belgium’s Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), is under pressure to amend his controversial reforms or face opposition from coalition partner N-VA, cautioned party leader Valerie Van Peel in an interview with Humo on Saturday. The warning also appeared in De Morgen.
Following resistance from doctors, Vandenbroucke now faces criticism from N-VA. “Frank is taking actions that were not agreed upon,” Van Peel stated. She argues that the minister risks introducing a form of “state medicine” that could only result in inferior healthcare. MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez has also indicated that the plans need modification.
Among the proposed reforms, the socialist Deputy Prime Minister aims to restrict fee supplements for doctors, which are additional payments above the standard rate.
“We won’t let what’s currently on the table pass,” Van Peel declared. She pointed out that Vandenbroucke must fully implement the coalition agreement, particularly regarding hospital financing reform. Many hospitals rely financially on doctors’ fee supplements, as a portion of these funds is redirected to the hospitals.
Vandenbroucke seeks an agreement on fee supplements, but the new regulations wouldn’t take effect until 2028. By that time, hospital financing should also be revised. However, Van Peel believes the minister is putting the cart before the horse. “The coalition agreement states that Vandenbroucke must alter hospital financing so it no longer depends on doctors. Only then can we address the fee supplements,” she insists.
