In a recent report for the year 2023, the Ombudsman for Children and Youth, Charel Schmit, presented findings on healthcare for children and adolescents aged birth to 12.
During its presentation in the Chamber of Deputies, Schmit clarified that the report does not intend to critique the overall quality of healthcare services for children and young people, which are generally very good, he said.
However, he highlighted significant bottlenecks in the system, particularly regarding long waiting lists. For instance, at the Service de consultation et d’aide psychomotrice (Scap), 290 children are currently awaiting assistance, resulting in a problematic two-year delay for appointments. Similarly, the Autism Foundation’s diagnostic service has 235 children awaiting assessment.
The report also draws attention to the increasing number of individuals affiliated with the Luxembourg health system. Véronique Louazel from Okaju noted a notable rise, with the number of non-resident children accessing reimbursed consultations increasing from 7,400 in 2012 to 13,000 in 2022. Furthermore, there has been a 140 percent surge in consultations with general practitioners in this demographic over the past decade.
Schmit emphasised the necessity for a shift in political focus towards paediatric care. He stressed the importance of integrating paediatric healthcare into broader health policies to accommodate the country’s growth, changing demographics, and evolving population needs.
