Abstract:
Envisaging preventive strategies into pediatric care is key to better child health outcomes. In this context, it is pertinent to note that pediatric health care (a field of medical specialty focusing on the health of individuals from birth until the age 18 or 21 years) has evolved with many innovations. Such developments have resulted in prevention of life-threatening illness and overall health promotion among infants and children. It is because of these considerations that the Government of Belgium has devised and implemented appropriately designed pediatric health care policies.
This research aims to give an insight into relevant aspects of management of pediatric health care policies in Belgium. As such, this work is case study in nature. Secondary data (collected from books, book chapters, journal articles, etc.), largely ‘qualitative’ in nature, have been used. In terms of research methodology, method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’. In addition, this work also benefitted from author’s interactions with health providers during international conferences (held in USA, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ireland, Vietnam, Sweden, etc.).
Analysis of data indicates that Belgium provides free and subsidized health care to all children (up to 18 years) of parents with Belgian Government health insurance. This institutional mechanism aims to cover the costs of having a baby, and enables parents to access free early-years health care for their children. In terms of management strategies, it has been found that children’s health care support is provided by regional agencies. In the Dutch-speaking Flemish region, for instance, Kind en Gezin (Child and Family) offers support to families with children aged 0-3 years. Further, French-speaking Wallonia and Brussels are cared for by ONE (Office of Birth and Children) to children until the age of 6 years. The ONE, with its central location in Brussels, is a public institution that develops birth and childhood policies. It creates, develops, adapts, and publishes a wide range of brochures and posters about child development. Furthermore, in the German-speaking areas of Belgium, Kaleido Ostbelgien (KO) provides support for the healthy development of children and young people aged 0-20. These (three) regional agencies refer parents to family doctors and also specialist. However, in case of minor illnesses, parents can take children to general practitioners.
Importantly, apart from initiatives by the Belgium Government, there exists private health care for kids and children. Despite public health insurance in place, many Belgian residents use private health care in order to access a wider selection of services and reduce waiting times. This is accessible in Belgium through private health insurance. This management aspect of health care enables parents in the country to access private doctors and hospitals not included in state coverage. In addition, Belgium residents are entitled to use private health insurance for covering the costs not reimbursed through public insurance.
This abstract briefly concludes that the Government of Belgium has taken a leading role in preserving health of children. It has been possible due to sustained efforts, including contributions of health care providers in the private sector and the international agencies.
Keywords: Pediatric Health Care, Management, Policies, Belgium, General Practitioners, Public Health Insurance, & Private Health Care Providers.
