Belgian Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, has introduced a draft law proposing a cap on supplementary fees for non-contracted doctors as part of a significant reform scheduled for 2028.

This proposal includes a contentious cap of 125% on supplementary fees in hospitals and 25% in outpatient settings, raising concerns due to the lack of corresponding reforms in hospital funding or nomenclature.

Additionally, the measure restricts access to certain INAMI bonuses exclusively for contracted healthcare providers, which has sparked strong opposition from medical unions.

The Belgian Association of Medical Unions (Absym) and the Cartel (GBO-Le MoDes-ASGB) have criticized the draft law, arguing that it jeopardizes the quality of care and limits the freedoms of physicians.

The unions contend that these proposed changes could lead to a decline in healthcare quality and impede doctors' ability to practice freely.