Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Belgium (Ratification: 1988)

The Committee notes the Government report and asks it to provide additional information on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that a draft to amend Royal Decree No. 78 of 10.11.1967, in order to reorganize the categories of nursing personnel, has been prepared. It asks the Government to keep it informed about the new classifications of nursing personel, once adopted.

Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee takes note of the information and recommendations contained in the "White Book of the Nursing Profession" of May 1992, issued by the Ministry of Public Health and the Environment. It notes that the shortage of nursing personnel persists, amounting to an estimated 6,000 persons out of a total of approximately 75,000 health-care workers in 1992, due to the often adverse employment conditions. It also notes the recommendations concerning career prospects, training and further training, in order to promote the nursing profession, as laid down in the brochure "The Permanent Training of Nurses".

The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide particulars on progress made regarding measures concerning career prospects and remuneration which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 6. The Committee notes the copies of collective agreements concerning nursing personnel, concluded during the reporting period. It asks the Government to keep it informed about any new agreements.

Point V of the report form. The Committee notes the statistical information concerning the distribution of nursing personnel. It would be grateful if the Government could provide further information on the practical application of the Convention and indicate the number of nursing personnel in the public and private sectors in relation to the population. Please also supply information on the number of persons leaving the profession.