The N-VA criticises the lack of Dutch-speaking healthcare staff at the Brussels vaccination centre

“This situation is illegal, unacceptable and even life-threatening.” In the vaccination centre in Heysel, the largest in the country, Brussels residents receive no guidance or explanations in Dutch. Also, the centre’s FAQ with essential information for people who have been vaccinated is only available in French, Brussels MP Gilles Verstraeten says. “It is high time that Minister Van den Brandt took up her powers as Dutch-speaking Minister of Health and defended Dutch speakers in Brussels.”

Information in one’s own language is crucial

Brussels residents testify that in the Brussels vaccination centre in Heysel, the largest in the country, they do not receive guidance and explanations about the vaccination in Dutch. For example, one testimonial shows that the caregivers do not mind that the person in question did not understand everything, even if they asked questions about the use of medication. “This is absolutely unacceptable. It is crucial that Dutch-speaking residents of Brussels receive information about the vaccination in their own language and can communicate themselves. If not, this can lead to life-threatening situations,” Gilles Verstraeten says.

Dutch speakers treated with a lack of respect

Gilles Verstraeten is therefore extremely concerned about the service provided in the Brussels vaccination centres, and by extension, also in the test centres, which by law must be bilingual. “For example, we have heard that Dutch speakers are treated with a lack of respect in the test centre in Brussels South and that written communication takes place exclusively in French. On Thursday, I will question Brussels Health Minister Maron on this issue.”

Van den Brandt must take responsibility

Minister Elke Van den Brandt must assume her responsibility as the Dutch-speaking Minister of Health, says Gilles Verstraeten: “Her absence through this crisis can actually no longer be defended. I am therefore calling on her to come forward, exercise her powers and protect the Dutch-speaking people of Brussels.”