Doctors’ union issues strike notice
Doctors’ union BVAS-ABSyM has submitted a strike notice for Monday 7 July in protest at the reform plans of federal Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke, the union confirmed on Saturday.
Representatives handed over a set of concrete alternative proposals to Vandenbroucke on Friday in response to his preliminary draft framework law. Afterwards, they submitted a strike notice.
“Strikes are not common among doctors, but in our opinion this is the only remaining means of making it clear to the minister that his preliminary draft framework law is unacceptable,” they said.
Strong signal
Vandenbroucke’s plans include capping the supplements of doctors working outside the conventional price system, abolishing the partial fee convention that gives doctors flexibility in setting their own prices, and the possible withdrawal of the RIZIV number in case of violation. A RIZIV number is used to identify healthcare professionals and allow them to bill for services under Belgium’s national health insurance system.
"In our opinion this is the only remaining means of making it clear to the minister that his preliminary draft framework law is unacceptable"
BVAS ABSyM is the largest doctors’ union in Belgium, covering all language groups. It held its executive committee on 17 June to determine what action to take in response to numerous calls from its supporters for a strong signal.
“It was decided to organise an informative strike day, explaining to patients why doctors are protesting and the consequences of the measures in Minister Vandenbroucke’s preliminary draft framework law,” they say.
Red lines
“With [the] patient first and foremost in mind, we are sending this signal to denounce that several red lines are being crossed.”
BVAS-ABSyM is calling on all doctors across the country, both GPs and specialists, to take part in the action on 7 July by closing their practices and cancelling hospital consultations.
Earlier this week, a survey by trade magazines Medi-Sfeer and De Specialist showed that a majority of doctors are ready for a strike and other action.
Illustration © PHOTO BELPRESS
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