People who want to cut down on their use of sleeping pills can now turn to their pharmacists to do so. Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) announced Friday that the pilot project will be structurally implemented.
Some 2.1 million Belgians still take sleeping pills and sedatives – making Belgium the leader in Europe. Since February 2023, pharmacists have been able to help patients reduce their daily intake of sleeping pills. The pharmacist then prepares capsules with a gradually decreasing amount of medication.
"We are talking about addictive sleeping pills and tranquillisers that are harmful if you take too many and/or for too long. We need to ensure that benzodiazepines are used sensibly, and the pharmacist plays an important and successful role in this," said Vandenbroucke.
By making this a structural project, he wants to ensure that people can always go to their pharmacist free of charge to carefully reduce their use of sleeping pills and tranquillisers. Such a phasing-out programme is prescribed by the GP.
Pills not always a solution
This pilot project was initially only meant to run for one year. However, due to its success, the project was extended twice between 1 February 2023 and 31 December 2024. Now, Vandenbroucke is structurally anchoring pharmacist support.
"Feeling good in your skin starts with a good night's sleep. At the same time, sleeping problems are not only a cause, but often the result of worries," he said. "Belgians reach for sleep medication en masse. And that is not always a solution."
More than 11,000 patients have already registered for the programme. For the phasing-out programme, €878,000 has been allocated on an annual basis within the budget for the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV).
"It involves far too many people. We also need to address the causes of this excessive use. That is why we are also focusing on good, affordable and accessible mental health care," Vandenbroucke said. "We do this by strengthening this primary care within mental health care to respond more quickly to worrying signals before mental problems become more serious."
