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Belgium: Health System Review
Sophie Gerkens1, Sherry Merkur2
1Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre.
Health Systems in Transition
|February 2, 2021
Summary
Belgium
Area of Science:
- Health Systems Analysis
- Public Health Policy
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The Belgian health system provides comprehensive coverage, funded mainly by income-based social contributions.
- It emphasizes independent medical practice, free choice of providers, and fee-for-service payments.
- Despite good population health and life expectancy, challenges include pharmaceutical care appropriateness, access to mental/dental care, and socioeconomic health inequalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the evolution of the Belgian health system since 2014.
- To detail recent reforms, including decentralization of health competences and hospital care redesign.
- To outline strategies for improving access, quality, sustainability, and efficiency amidst demographic and technological changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Belgian Health System Monitor (HiT) profile (2020).
- Review of policy changes and reforms implemented between 2014 and 2020.
- Examination of strategies for integrated care, evidence-based medicine, and international cooperation.
Main Results:
- Key reforms include decentralization of health competences and hospital care restructuring.
- Initiatives focus on multidisciplinary care, integrated patient trajectories, and patient empowerment.
- Cooperation on innovative medicine pricing and reimbursement is progressing.
Conclusions:
- The Belgian health system is adapting to an aging population, chronic diseases, and new technologies.
- Addressing pharmaceutical overuse, access barriers, and health inequalities remains crucial.
- Strengthening system resilience, particularly post-COVID-19, is a forward-looking priority.
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