Lamine Gharbi, President of the French Federation of Private Hospitals, appeared in a number of national media in January and February 2024 to explain the situation of private hospitalisation and defend the sector.
“Of the 1,030 private hospitals and clinics in France, 412 were in deficit in 2023, i.e. 40%, compared with 25% in previous years. Every year, private hospitals treat 9 million French people (3 million of whom in emergency), i.e. 1/3 of the total number of people treated in the country.
Private hospitals account for 35% of healthcare activity, with only 18% of budgets. However, it should be borne in mind that 90% of the private sector is funded by the state and that charges are regulated. With inflation soaring, budgets can no longer be balanced. The efficiency of the private sector is high, but with regulated tariffs, we can no longer cope. If we disappear from isolated areas, if our maternity units close, the public health service is in real danger”
Replay: LCI, France Inter
