Compulsory registration of doctors must be maintained, says hospital federation

Dr Berna argued that the Findel Clinic project could be beneficial only if it operates as a branch of an existing hospital.

“Firstly, it must be attached to a clinic. Who will handle complications arising from procedures performed there? Treatments may occur during the day, but emergencies can happen at night”, he explained. “Secondly, if we create facilities where doctors can work selectively from 8am to 6pm without on-call duties, it may draw staff away from hospitals, which is unacceptable. Finally, remuneration must be consistent with collective agreements; otherwise, attracting professionals to convince them to work in these structures will be difficult.”

Termination of the agreement between the CNS and the AMMD may be an opportunity

Regarding the termination of the agreement between the Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) and the National Health Fund (CNS), Dr Berna sees a potential opportunity to improve the system. However, he believes that compulsory registration for doctors must remain, as it ensures equitable access to healthcare, which is essential. "After all, a good healthcare system is only effective if it provides excellent care for all patients", he continued.

If a doctor is not affiliated with the CNS, they would theoretically be allowed to set their own rates. Dr Berna wants to avoid this at all costs:

"To put it bluntly, we would then be moving towards a system similar to that in the United States, where a very small number of people receive the best medical care in the world, while the majority of the population lives in poor health", he warned.

Healthcare system under pressure due to staff shortages

While Luxembourg certainly has a good healthcare system, it is currently under strain due to staff shortages, according to Dr Berna.

"In Luxembourg, we have a higher life expectancy and fewer deaths from preventable diseases than in neighbouring countries. But the fact is, of course, that the system is currently under strain. We have less economic growth and less population growth than in recent decades. As a result, we also have problems finding enough staff to work in the sector. The system therefore needs to adapt, and it needs to do so relatively quickly. That is why we also see an opportunity in outpatient facilities."

Expanding healthcare training in Luxembourg with a university hospital? 

According to Dr Berna, more doctors and healthcare professionals should be trained in Luxembourg, and above all to a higher standard. While the University of Luxembourg is already working on this, these efforts need to be stepped up. So, what would Dr Berna think of the development of a university hospital?

"A university hospital is achievable if universities, research institutes, and hospitals work together as a network to integrate the function of a university hospital into our overall system."

He pointed to Singapore as an example, where public hospitals are affiliated with a university hospital. Dr Marc Berna added that Singapore is comparable to Luxembourg in terms of wealth and functioning.