Representatives from the field of work doctors urge the government to launch a university programme to counteract shortages in the sector.
The shortage of doctors affects every specialised field here in Luxembourg, work doctors being no exception, The Association of Work Doctors (ALSAT) said in a written statement.
The sector currently needs an additional 25 practitioners. ALSAT therefore demand that a respective study programme be introduced at the University of Luxembourg.
In conversation with our colleagues from RTL, ALSAT president Marc Jacoby explained that most of their work consists in preventive measures. Employment should not make people sick or worsen preexisting conditions, he underlined. He also conveyed that psychosocial problems are beginning to play a bigger role.
Luxembourgish law envisions one work doctor per 5,000 employees, meaning 25 more doctors would be needed.
Some doctors currently take care of 8,000 patients, explained ALSAT vice president Dr Nicole Majery: "This means we are always running behind, which affects both the work we do for companies as well as the regular examinations we are required to do. And this can have legal consequences for companies as much as for employees."
ALSAT believes the problem can only be solved on a political level, arguing that a specialisation programme for work doctors should be offered at the University of Luxembourg. A decision in this matter could be taken on Tuesday.
The specialisation for work doctors lasts four years. However, trainees could start helping out in the field after six months to gain experience and ease the work load, say officials.
