Belgium Health Committee's session on Wednesday did not discuss the bill proposing Covid-19 vaccines to be mandatory for healthcare professionals, Belga News Agency reports.
Instead, the committee was only able to debate and vote on the first bill on their agenda, concerning veterinary medicines. The bill, which added certain regulations to veterinary medicinal products, was approved by the majority and the PTB (Workers' Party of Belgium).
An official debate on the vaccine mandate will take place during Friday's meeting at 13:30. Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced his intention to finally hold a vote during this session.
However, any voting outcome will likely not be final, as the opposition has already voiced their plans to request a second reading of the bill.
Related News
- 'Coronavirus pandemic is not over yet,' warns Vandenbroucke
- EMA recommends AstraZeneca's second Covid vaccine Evusheld
- More Covid-19 hospitalisations, fewer patients in intensive care
Friday's committee meeting will also examine four amendments signed by Gitta Vanpeborgh, Member of Parliament for the Vooruit party, and co-signed by other members of the Government. One amendment concerned the postponement of the application of Royal Decrees after being debated in the Council of Ministers. The 1 July start date will be dropped.
A crowd of around 50 to 100 activists gathered on Rue de Louvain in front of the Chamber during Wednesday's meeting, hoping to speak to committee members about the bill, according to the Brussels-Ixelles police zone.
