The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (Inami) approved on Monday an agreement that finances the in-home hospitalisation for oncology and antibiotic therapy.
Patients will be able to receive chemotherapy or long-term antibiotic treatment at home from 1 July, the office of Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said on Tuesday.
"This is an important step in the change of culture that we are bringing about in healthcare," stressed Sandrine Daoud, a spokeswoman for the cabinet.
Patients who choose to receive their treatment at home will not incur any additional costs compared with traditional hospitalisation. "This is in line with the wishes of many patients, who prefer to be treated as much as possible in their familiar environment and close to their loved ones," notes Sandrine Daoud.
At-home treatments can be carried out in any living environment, such as a private home, a nursing home or an establishment for people with disabilities.
It should be carried out in agreement with a specialist doctor, and in close consultation with the patient’s GP.
The hospital care team will be responsible for coordinating care at home and allocating tasks between internal and external service providers.
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For Jean-Pascal Labille, Secretary General of the Solidaris mutual insurance association, this new reimbursement of home treatment will bring real added value for patients.
However, Solidaris calls for greater attention towards isolated or precarious patients, and for a consultation with the regions regarding this new method of patient care.
