Flanders to launch medical crisis team for emergencies
The Flemish government intends to create a medical crisis team to help people during large health and welfare emergencies. The plan was announced by Welfare minister Caroline Gennez.
The new team will start with about 100 medical volunteers. Around 80 will be nurses and 20 will be doctors. They will be able to respond to a crisis within 48 hours.
The team will help during situations such as outbreaks of infectious diseases. Their tasks could include contact tracing, vaccinating vulnerable people, sharing health advice and helping to keep healthcare services running during emergencies.
The project will be developed with Belgian Red Cross Flanders, which will organise and coordinate the volunteers.
Gennez said the government had a duty to protect everyone in society during difficult times, especially older people, children and people with disabilities.
In the first year, the government plans to spend 250,000 euros on the project. If the programme works well, the team could lter grow to 300 volunteers. Medical professionals who want to join can sign up through the Red Cross website.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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