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Minister Quintin agrees to transfer emergency number 1733 to colleague Vandenbroucke

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Interior Minister Quintin agrees to transfer emergency number 1733 to Health Minister Vandenbroucke.
  • The move aims to resolve persistent issues with the 1733 emergency call center.
  • Vandenbroucke will now handle the operational aspects, while Interior will focus on 112 and staffing.

Belgium's Interior Minister, Bernard Quintin, has approved the transfer of the emergency number 1733, used to reach on-call doctors, to the jurisdiction of the Minister of Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke. This decision comes amid ongoing problems with the 1733 emergency call center. Quintin expressed his positive reaction to Vandenbroucke's announcement, stating, "It is good that my colleague from Public Health is finally willing to proceed with decoupling the 1733 calls from the 112 emergency centers. This possibility has existed since the introduction of the number 1733."

It is good that my colleague from Public Health is finally willing to proceed with decoupling the 1733 calls from the 112 emergency centers. This possibility has existed since the introduction of the number 1733.

— Bernard QuintinCommenting on the agreement to transfer the 1733 emergency number.

Quintin views the handling of 1733 calls by the on-call doctor services during peak times as a necessary initial step. He confirmed that this decision can be made immediately and falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Health. "This decision can now be made and falls under the responsibility of Public Health," Quintin stated.

This decision can now be made and falls under the responsibility of Public Health.

— Bernard QuintinConfirming the immediate transfer of responsibility for 1733 calls.

Beyond this immediate transfer, the Ministry of the Interior is committed to contributing to a sustainable solution. Quintin mentioned that he had submitted proposals for a structural reform of 1733 last year and now expects concrete counter-proposals from the Ministry of Public Health. "The return of 1733 to Public Health is the right direction. This way, 112 remains available for those who need urgent help," he added. The emergency number 112, for urgent assistance, will remain under the purview of the Ministry of the Interior. The ministry is also working on improving staffing levels for 112, with 16 recruitment procedures currently underway and some candidates already beginning their training.

The return of 1733 to Public Health is the right direction. This way, 112 remains available for those who need urgent help.

— Bernard QuintinExplaining the rationale behind the transfer and the continued importance of 112.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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