A significant proportion of Belgian workers face difficulties accessing medical care, with one in five unable to secure a consultation or necessary treatment at least once a year, according to a new study by the VUB research group Brispo.
The findings, reported by L’Echo on Tuesday, place Belgium above the European average for healthcare inaccessibility among workers.
Healthcare Shortages and Long Waiting Times
The study highlights that the primary barrier to healthcare access is the shortage of medical services.
Over two-thirds of affected workers encounter obstacles such as long waiting lists, the inability to secure an appointment, or geographical distance from healthcare providers.
These issues disproportionately impact workers in rural areas, where medical facilities are often scarce. According to Maarten Hermans, the study’s lead author, Belgium ranks among the top five European countries where employment constraints hinder healthcare access.
“Addressing the shortage of doctors and caregivers is not simple, that is clear,” Hermans noted. “However, establishing a legal framework to ensure workers do not have to take leave, possibly unpaid, to see a doctor requires minimal political effort.”
Workplace Constraints a Major Barrier
Another key factor preventing workers from receiving medical care is the difficulty in taking time off work for appointments.
Nearly 20% of Belgian workers report being unable to leave work to see a doctor, a percentage that places Belgium among the worst in Europe in terms of work-related barriers to healthcare.
Despite growing discussions around workplace flexibility, many employees remain bound by rigid schedules, especially in industries with strict shift structures.
This issue is particularly pronounced among low-income workers and those in physically demanding jobs, where missing work for medical reasons can lead to financial penalties or job insecurity.
Call for Policy Reform and Focus on Prevention
The study underscores the need for systemic policy changes to ensure that workers can access healthcare without financial or professional repercussions.
Experts argue that while much focus has been placed on reintegrating sick employees into the workforce, preventive measures are often overlooked.
“We focus a lot on reintegrating the sick, but we often forget about prevention,” Hermans said. Ensuring workers have access to regular medical check-ups could prevent long-term health issues and reduce absenteeism due to untreated illnesses.
The research findings raise critical questions about Belgium’s approach to worker welfare and healthcare accessibility.
With ongoing doctor shortages and growing concerns over employee well-being, policymakers may need to consider legislative solutions to guarantee that all workers can seek medical attention without sacrificing their job security or income.
As Belgium grapples with these challenges, the study serves as a stark reminder of the growing healthcare disparities in the workforce.
Addressing these barriers will require coordinated efforts from government agencies, employers, and healthcare providers to ensure that no worker is left without access to essential medical care.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
