© René Pfeiffer
Amid a dispute with the national doctors' association over fees and conventions, Health Minister Martine Deprez has firmly rejected any move towards a "two-tier healthcare system" in Luxembourg.
In an RTL interview on Tuesday, Minister of Health Martine Deprez firmly ruled out the establishment of a two-tier healthcare system in Luxembourg, a stance she stated is unaffected by ongoing disputes with medical associations or new private initiatives.
The Minister's comments come amid the termination of the National Health Fund (CNS) conventions by the Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) and the group's demands for "fee autonomy", which would allow doctors to set their own prices. Minister Deprez expressed scepticism toward this idea, stating, "we do not want a two-tier healthcare system!"
She also addressed the planned private medical centre at Findel Airport, clarifying that while she was not informed in advance – as it is considered a "real estate project" – she welcomes any initiative that increases the number of doctors. However, she questioned the basis for claims of a doctor shortage, noting that while the number of licenced physicians is known, data on actual availability – such as waiting times for specialists – is lacking. The ministry is currently working to gather more specific statistics.
Regarding the terminated CNS-AMMD agreement, Deprez confirmed that the CNS is now establishing a timeline to draft a new convention. Separately, a bill that would allow doctors to form service-providing companies is expected to be ready by the end of the year, a deadline the Minister intends to meet. She did, however, state that financial investors would be "categorically" excluded from administrative roles in such companies.
