In January 2024, Belgium‘s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced measures to tackle the rising number of long-term sick leave cases. Under new regulations, employees must consult a different doctor three times in their first year of illness. But will this approach truly address the issue?
- Minister Vandenbroucke's measures for long-term illness
- Mandatory consultations with advisory doctors introduced
- Federal government seeks insight into prescription practices
- Experts advocate for specialist involvement in assessments
- Domus Medica supports reforming the system
Belgium’s New Rules on Long-Term Sick Leave: What You Need to Know
Could these changes really make a difference? The Belgian government aims to reduce the number of invalidated sick notes each year by increasing oversight and accountability among healthcare providers.
Experts Call for a Shift in Disability Assessment Practices
The current system places significant responsibility on general practitioners (GPs) when assessing long-term disabilities. However, experts argue that specialists should take on this role instead. This change could lead to more accurate assessments and better support for those genuinely in need.
- Specialists can provide tailored evaluations based on specific conditions.
- A shift from GPs may improve recovery rates for patients.
- This approach could help reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
- A focus on rehabilitation rather than prolonged sick leave is essential.
Why General Practitioners May Not Be Enough for Long-Term Illnesses
Lode Godderis, a professor at KU Leuven, suggests that GPs lack the expertise needed to manage complex cases of long-term sickness effectively. He compares issuing prolonged sick notes to prescribing heavy antibiotics without proper diagnosis—both can lead to negative outcomes if not handled correctly.
The Role of Collaboration Between Government and Medical Professionals
The Domus Medica association supports reforming the current system rather than imposing penalties on GPs. They emphasize that understanding an employee’s work situation is crucial for accurate assessments of conditions like burnout or stress-related illnesses.
The Importance of Recovery Over Prolonged Sick Leave
Many individuals relying on sickness benefits are not abusing the system; rather, they are navigating through systemic flaws. The emphasis should be placed on facilitating recovery and ensuring access to appropriate care rather than merely managing paperwork related to sick leave.
