Delivered by public services, the Belgian healthcare system relies on the solidarity of the country’s working population, who contribute to the establishment of sustainable healthcare structures. Comprising three categories (medical, paramedical and social), this sector is at the heart of economic and social issues.
The medical, paramedical and medico-technical professions play a variety of roles, including :
The healthcare sector encompasses over 200 medical and social professions, all of which are involved in caring for the mental and physical health of different patients. An innovative and demanding sector, there are many opportunities for candidates to develop their careers in both public and private establishments.
It covers healthcare, rehabilitation, medical equipment and medical and technical assistance. The paramedical sector complements the medical sector, providing follow-up to medical procedures previously carried out.
Necessary in the medical field, paramedical functions generally require a shorter period of study than medical functions. Yet they are essential to the smooth running of the human health and social action sector.
The social action sector encompasses a wide range of social services and missions to support the well-being of Belgian citizens. This sector involves a variety of players (associations, companies, the public) and fields of support (mental and physical disabilities, social and economic difficulties, early childhood assistance, etc.).
Staff in this sector play an essential role in supporting Belgian citizens, and work on a daily basis for a fairer, healthier society.
Whether working in the private or public sector, the role of medical staff is to take care of patients, from diagnosis to recovery.
There are many specializations in the medical world: general medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, etc.
Even within these specializations, there are several layers of professions!
Each trade has its own specific training. For example, nursing assistants, nurses and doctors all have a level of study appropriate to their profession.
Nurses and doctors in particular have a general medical training and then train in a specialty, such as surgery, gynecology, cardiology, general medicine, neurology or ophthalmology.
Once they have chosen a specialty, Belgian doctors study for between 9 and 12 years.
What distinguishes the medical world from the paramedical world is the ability of medical professionals to issue prescriptions.
The paramedical sector supports the medical sector in carrying out their missions.
It covers healthcare, rehabilitation, medical equipment and medical and technical assistance. The paramedical sector complements the medical sector, providing follow-up to medical procedures previously carried out.
Necessary in the medical field, paramedical functions generally require a shorter period of study than medical functions. Yet they are essential to the smooth running of the human health and social action sector.
The social action sector encompasses a wide range of social services and missions to support the well-being of Belgian citizens. This sector involves a variety of players (associations, companies, the public) and fields of support (mental and physical disabilities, social and economic difficulties, early childhood assistance, etc.).
Staff in this sector play an essential role in supporting Belgian citizens, and work on a daily basis for a fairer, healthier society.
ASH, care assistant, home care assistant, medical-psychological assistant, etc.