In Belgium, approximately 200 daily doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed per person annually, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.

These medications are primarily intended for patients suffering from gastric ulcers or excessive gastric acid production following surgery.

Typically, proton pump inhibitors are meant for temporary use, generally around one month.

However, many patients are taking significantly more than the recommended doses and often for extended periods.

Long-term use of these medications can lead to decreased calcium absorption, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, as noted by Bert Vaes from KU Leuven.

Additionally, prolonged use of PPIs is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia and other infections, due to the loss of the stomach's acidic environment that helps eliminate harmful bacteria.

In light of these risks, some doctors are advocating for a complete halt in the sale of these medications by pharmacists.

Inami is responding to these concerns by proposing maximum quotas on prescriptions, as exceeding these limits indicates a deviation from proper medical practice.

If both doctors and patients collaborate to reduce PPI consumption by half, the state could save approximately 52 million euros, while patients might save around 15.6 million euros.

Despite the potential for cost savings, Inami emphasizes that the primary goal of these measures is to ensure patient safety.