A new funding model for GPs on call has been approved by medical authorities, with the government now planning a €22 million investment into these changes.
Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced that the new funding model will replace the current one from 2025 onwards, with GPs on call also able to implement the changes a year earlier.
The Minister stressed the importance of GPs being able to "carry out on-call duties in complete safety and with support." The new changes will also allow "patients to consult their GP in an accessible way."
Reorganising the way GPs work had long been a priority of the government, and their changes were finally approved by medical staff on Tuesday.
The number of GPs working weekends (from 18:00 on Friday until 08:00 on Monday) and public holidays will now be determined beforehand and based on functional cooperation.
A minimum of three practitioners for 300,000 inhabitants will have to be on duty with at least one accessible call centre. Moreover, mobile services will also be able to provide services at patients' homes.
Particular attention has been paid to evening shifts between 23:00 and 08:00 when far fewer patients call in. Two options will be made available: either GPs remain on duty or the mobile services can be used for patients to call up.
