The HUB no longer pays medical student guards, representatives are concerned

The Inter-University Committee of Medical Students (CIUM) deplores Thursday the decision of the Brussels University Hospital (HUB) to no longer pay the guards provided by students within its network. The HUB confirms that this measure has come into force since March, but specifies that it only concerns students in blocks 4, 5 and 6. They are not yet doctors and do not have an employment contract.

According to the CIUM, around 150 students, spread across the three HUB establishments – the Jules Bordet Institute, the Erasme hospital and the Queen Fabiola children’s university hospital – are currently affected by this decision. He assures that “this unacceptable measure represents a major financial constraint, a hindrance to education as well as a direct attack on the student condition”.
In an email addressed to the students concerned, which Belga was able to consult, the HUB states that it was forced to make this decision after an inspection of the services of the National Social Security Office (ONSS).
“This in no way reflects a lack of recognition of the work and commitment of interns, but rather the need to respect the legal requirements in force,” affirms the HUB.
For the CIUM, this deletion implies a significant additional financial burden. He particularly highlights the recent increase in school fees and the financial pressure that all this creates.
Students were reportedly informed on April 8 of this decision, which came into force in March. The CIUM is therefore demanding the restoration of the remuneration of guards within the HUB network and compensation for guards provided since March 1.
The president of the CIUM, Elias Fariss, fears that this measure will also be applied in other hospitals. A committee of representatives should soon be formed to discuss with HUB management, he explains.