Alternative health care in Belgium: an explanation of various social aspects

Abstract: To practice any form of medicine in Belgium it is necessary to be enrolled with the Belgian General Medical Council. Recognised doctors have clinical and diagnostic freedom to carry out whatever treatments they see fit. Those who choose to practice complementary medicine may find themselves in conflict with their professional organisation which requires them to treat patients "taking all reason-able care given the current state of scientific knowledge" 'General practitioners offer most of the available homoeopathy and acupuncture. Physiotherapists provide most of the osteopathy.Alternative health care is not reimbursed by the social security system although there is evidence that patients would like the cost of alternative health care to be reimbursed. About one in four Belgians consult a complementary practitioner, perhaps the highest use of alternative health care in Europe.

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