The confidence of French-speaking Belgians in their healthcare system is eroding, according to Solidaris’ annual barometer on trust and well-being released on Wednesday.
Despite 70% of respondents still rating the quality of care as excellent, this figure has dropped by 7 percentage points since 2015. The Composite Well-being Index (IBE) remains at 53, marking a decline of 6.5% since 2015.
Solidaris highlights that the perception of healthcare accessibility has significantly worsened. Only 51% of respondents believe there are enough healthcare professionals in their region, compared to 76% in 2015.
Waiting times are deemed excessive by 83% for specialist appointments (+7 points) and by 63% for hospital admissions (+14 points).
The survey, conducted with over 1,000 participants, also reveals growing social inequalities over the past nine years. The largest decreases in the IBE affect women (-9.6%), individuals aged 40-59 (-10.1%), vulnerable people (-9.2%), single-parent families (-13.6%), and those unable to work (-15.2%).
Social inequality becoming normalised
"Despite the worsening inequalities, fewer French-speaking Belgians consider social inequalities intolerable in our society," notes the socialist mutual insurance company.
The share of French-speaking Belgians who consider social inequalities intolerable has fallen from 73% to 64% since 2015, and Solidaris suggests there is a growing acceptance of social inequalities as they continue to deepen.
Additionally, physical health is deteriorating, with only 53% of people rating their health as good or very good, compared to 64% in 2015, Solidaris reports.
Work is seen as a source of well-being by just 40% of respondents, down from 62% in 2015. Balancing work and personal life has also become more difficult (52% vs 60% in 2015).
In response to these findings, the mutual insurance company recommends a tariff shield, better planning of healthcare services (including decent working conditions for staff and a preventive approach), and a reform of the convention system to increase the number of providers.
