2026 New Year's Message from the ABMA President

The past three years have been marked by sustained effort from the Board of Directors. Thanks to this commitment, our annual national and international congresses now benefit from official recognition for medical accreditation, with the granting of 5 to 7 credit points in Ethics and Economics. This recognition confirms the scientific quality of our activities and strengthens the ABMA's position as a credible player in continuing medical education.

The recent repeal of the law of April 29, 1999 (known as the Colla Law) opens a new period of regulatory uncertainty for acupuncture in Belgium. In this context, it is important to reiterate that the NIHDI has officially confirmed that physicians may continue to bill for acupuncture services when they are part of a consultation related to their recognized specialty. This clarification ensures the continuity of responsible and secure medical practices.

In 2026, the ABMA intends to strengthen its role as a public health stakeholder. Current scientific data show that acupuncture, when practiced by properly trained practitioners within a rigorous framework, presents a good safety profile and clinically relevant benefits for certain well-defined indications. Conversely, the complications described in the literature highlight the importance of strict oversight and high standards for training and professional liability.

This is why the ABMA continues its commitment to conditional and regulated recognition of acupuncture, based on clear criteria of competence, safety, and quality of care. A structured scientific dossier is currently being developed to contribute rigorously and with sound arguments to scientific, academic, and institutional debates.

Our goal is clear: to allow acupuncture to find its rightful place in the Belgian healthcare system—neither idealized nor rejected, but evaluated with discernment, for the primary benefit of patient safety and quality of care.

On behalf of all members of the Board of Directors, I wish you all the very best for 2026.

Dr. Olivier Cuignet
President of the Belgian Association of Medical Acupuncturists (ABMA)