The new MRI at the Medical Centre Potaschberg has been operational as of Wednesday this week. The department was initially due to open its doors at the beginning of April, but Minister of Health Paulette Lenert issued an order prohibiting the installation of an MRI scanner, on the pretext that it would violate the 2018 Hospital Law.
According to local politicians, medical care in the eastern region of the Grand Duchy is often neglected and has now finally taken a step forward.
MP Léon Gloden from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) commented: “The feedback we got from people was highly positive. They welcome that something is being done. This project is not meant to be against anyone, it has been launched for patients and for the benefit of everyone. We believe it is an important step forward in the medical care of the east.”
The question of whether or not a private centre is legally allowed to offer MRI scans is a matter of interpreting a Grand Ducal decree.
This ongoing debate is held at the expense of patients, believes Dr Fédéric Henkes, chief physician at CIMP: “So far, we have eleven MRIs in Luxembourg, this would be the twelfth. Four machines were recently added, but that is still not enough. Waiting times are still very long, which shows a need to get more equipment.”
It remains to be seen whether private centres will be allowed to help cover the demand, Dr Henkes further explained: “Our patients are billed the exact same rate as in hospitals. The rate for an MRI scan is €162.90. However, that only covers the expense of the radiologist, technical fees do not appear on patients’ bills. Why? We do not intend to create a two-class society.”
It is also unclear if the fees will be reimbursed. At the moment, the National Health Fund (CNS) seems to be reluctant.
Minister of Health Paulette Lenert provided insight into the government’s position: “After I received note that the MRI had become operational, I sent a team to Potaschberg to establish a report. Based on that, the CNS will take its final position.”
The minister lamented how the medical centre decided to approach the situation. Adjustments to the legal frame are currently being done, but that process requires time.
She explained: “We need to think matters through carefully if we really decide to extend beyond the hospital sector. It is the wish of the government and of my team to establish a proper frame. That will take some time.”
