Brussels – Belgium’s Council of Ministers has moved to permanently integrate pharmacies into a nationwide initiative aimed at helping patients reduce their dependency on sleeping pills, Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke’s cabinet announced on Friday.
The program, which was initially launched as a pilot project on 1 February 2023, allows pharmacists to assist patients in gradually reducing their daily intake of sleeping pills through a structured step-down process.
The initiative, originally set to last one year, was extended twice—most recently until 31 December 2024—due to its success.
Now, the government has decided to make the program a permanent part of the healthcare system, solidifying pharmacists’ role in addressing long-term dependency on sleep medication.
Under the program, pharmacists prepare capsules with progressively smaller doses of medication tailored to each patient’s needs. This gradual reduction process is designed to help individuals safely wean off their medication and is prescribed by a general practitioner.
Patients can choose between three different step-down plans: a ten-step, seven-step, or five-step program, depending on their personal needs and medical advice.
Since its inception, the project has seen significant engagement, with over 11,000 patients enrolling to curb their use of sleeping pills.
An evaluation conducted approximately a year ago found that 6,527 people had already begun the reduction program. Among them, 57% opted for the ten-step plan, while 13.9% chose the seven-step and 29.1% the five-step approach.
The program’s success and the growing number of participants played a key role in the government’s decision to make it a permanent healthcare initiative.
By integrating it structurally within pharmacists’ responsibilities, the authorities aim to offer long-term support to individuals struggling with dependency on sleep medication, ensuring that the program continues to benefit patients without the need for periodic extensions.
To support this effort, the government has allocated an annual budget of €878,000, which will fund the preparation of customized capsules and the pharmacists’ involvement in the program.
Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke emphasized the importance of this initiative in tackling the overuse of sleeping pills in Belgium.
“This program has proven its effectiveness in helping patients gradually reduce their dependence on medication. By making it a permanent part of our healthcare system, we are ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to manage their sleep disorders in a healthier, controlled manner,” Vandenbroucke said.
The widespread use of sleeping pills has long been a concern for Belgian health authorities, as prolonged reliance on such medication can lead to various health risks, including cognitive impairment, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms.
By involving pharmacists directly in the reduction process, the government hopes to promote safer and more sustainable sleep solutions for those affected.
With pharmacies now playing an established role in the initiative, Belgium is taking a proactive step toward reducing medication dependency and fostering better public health outcomes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
