Luxembourg cannot rely indefinitely on a workforce heavily dependent on cross-border workers and must take steps to upgrade its healthcare professions. This was a point of unanimous agreement among MPs during a debate in the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, sparked by MP Marc Spautz of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV).
The discussion focused on the need to enhance the status of healthcare professions, with MPs proposing solutions such as improving work-life balance and creating more opportunities for career development.
Spautz argued that Luxembourg’s healthcare system is too centralised and must adapt to the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse population. He called for a more efficient network of services, including expanded outpatient centres, better advisory services, and a stronger focus on prevention. “Investing in prevention may involve higher initial costs, but it ultimately benefits society by reducing the need for future healthcare spending”, Spautz emphasised.
MP Georges Engel of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) highlighted the importance of creating better pathways between different healthcare qualifications and professions. Rather than introducing new roles, Engel proposed adapting and strengthening existing training programmes. “We need to empower healthcare workers to operate as independently as possible while clearly defining the skills and responsibilities of each profession”, he said. Engel stressed that this approach would prevent overburdening certain sectors and ensure a more balanced distribution of duties. “A clear analysis of our workforce is essential to effectively allocate responsibilities within the system,” he added.
Minister of Health Martine Deprez confirmed that an analysis is already underway to improve the transition between the roles of care assistant and general care nurse. A task force, established in collaboration with the Luxembourg Umbrella Organisation of Care Service Providers (COPAS) and the Federation of Luxembourg Hospitals (FHL), is leading this effort.
