Financing MUG helicopter remains a tricky point

Cause? The institute that operates the MUG helicopter has to call on the province, local authorities, sponsors and collection campaigns to raise money.

A decision on financing was repeatedly postponed by successive health ministers. Federal Member of Parliament Nathalie Muylle from Roeselare wants clarity at last. Nathalie Muylle: “It’s simple: either there will be structural funding from the government or not. Continuing to muddle is not an option. Not for hospitals, not for employees and not for users. Minister Vandenbroucke urgently needs to make a decision. It is already clear to us that the helicopter will also save lives tomorrow and must therefore be able to continue taking off.”

Nathalie Muylle asked Minister Vandenbroucke in the Public Health Committee for the latest state of affairs. In his reply, the minister emphasized that the analysis shows that a helicopter is not the most cost-efficient option and was again told that the decision is being postponed pending a new proposal. That proposal must be submitted by the end of October 2022. “That is the ultimate deadline for CD&V. In the autumn, a decision must finally be made on financing, so that the West Flemish municipalities, the province, the sponsors and the Institute for Medical Urgent Care can organize themselves further.”