The healthcare sector in Belgium is facing significant sustainability challenges, grappling with its environmental impact and the accessibility of medical services for its citizens. According to the federal environmental administration, hospitals, care homes, pharmacies, and home care services emitted approximately 9,901 kilotons of CO2 equivalent in 2022, constituting about 5% of the country's total CO2 emissions. With projections indicating healthcare emissions could increase by over 60% by 2050, the urgency for reforms has never been more pressing.
This alarming increase stands at odds with Belgium's commitments to international policies geared toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as noted by various reports including one from Le Soir and De Tijd. Experts advocate for immediate action to decarbonize the healthcare sector, which is energy-intensive and increasingly focused on environmental impacts. Decarbonization strategies include improving energy efficiency by implementing isolation systems for buildings, electrifying vehicle fleets, and transitioning heating systems to renewable sources.
The reports recommend reducing sector emissions by 73% by 2050 through operational improvements. For example, estimates suggest 30% to 50% of medications prescribed are wasted, often due to overprescription or unnecessary usage. Restructuring prescriptions could potentially reduce excess medication purchases by 20%. Further, healthcare facilities see about 41% of meals go uneaten; tackling this waste could lead to savings through initiatives aimed at reducing food waste by approximately 21% within the next decade.
Alongside these environmental initiatives, Belgium's healthcare accessibility remains concerning. Recent research by the VUB research group, Brispo, reveals alarming statistics: nearly one in five Belgian workers cannot access healthcare at least once each year, which is above the European average. Shortages of healthcare professionals, particularly medical consultations and timely treatments, remain the primary barriers. Over two-thirds of these workers face challenges getting appointments, often due to long waiting times, unavailability of doctors, or geographical obstacles.
Another significant factor contributing to the healthcare access issue is related to work obligations. Almost one-fifth of workers cite the inability to take time off as the reason for not seeking necessary medical care. This statistic highlights Belgium's position as one of the leading countries where work schedules hinder access to healthcare services. Maarten Hermans, the report’s author, shares insight on addressing these challenges: "Addressing the shortage of doctors and caregivers is not simple, it is clear."
He emphasizes, "We focus a lot on reintegrATING the sick, but we often forget about prevention"—a comment drawing attention to the fact the system prioritizes treatment over preventative care measures, which are necessary for ensuring broader access and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
To tackle these intertwined issues of sustainability and accessibility, experts believe establishing legal safeguards allowing workers to attend medical appointments without jeopardizing their income, particularly for unpaid leave, is of utmost importance. Initiatives aimed at reinforcing this framework may not require extensive legislative efforts but could significantly impact healthcare accessibility and the sustainability of the overall system.
While the challenges are multifaceted, with emissions rising and healthcare accessibility becoming increasingly strained, the pathway to sustainable improvement lies within targeted reforms and active cooperation between sectors. The call for the Belgian healthcare system to both decarbonize its operations and genuinely meet the medical needs of its citizens is louder than ever.