In a statement on the future of Luxembourg's healthcare system, the Patient Advocacy Group (Patientevertriedung) says it embraces modernisation and the evolution of the healthcare system, as well as considering how to organise healthcare differently. However, rather than "just" liberalisation, the patient must be kept at the heart of all discussions, the group urged.
On the topic of the cancelled agreement between the National Health Fund (CNS) and the doctors' association (AMMD), the patient group noted that the mediator had declared non-conciliation, and expressed gratitude at the fact there would be no legal vacuum, and that patients would continue to be reimbursed by insurance.
The group says it supports dialogue, but all decisions must be taken in the best interest of patients. It stated that "Luxembourg’s healthcare system needs to evolve. The population's needs are changing, medical science is advancing, and the working conditions of professionals must also be taken into account." It also emphasised the need to guarantee training and education for doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality care.
It warns against introducing a two-tier medical system, writing: "Any changes must preserve the fundamental principles of the Luxembourgish system: solidarity, equal access, transparency, and financial protection for patients."
They added: "We need a health strategy that goes beyond current negotiations and takes into account patient needs, demographic trends, staff shortages, new medical technologies, hospital organisation, the expansion of outpatient care, and the sustainable financing of healthcare."
"Patients cannot be the variable used to balance the books in healthcare system reform," the group concluded.
