Feb 24 – An unprecedented crisis

European hospitals are in crisis. They are facing a series of issues, including staffing and recruitment difficulties, persistent tensions over supplies, and, in addition to inflation in Europe, constraining macroeconomic challenges. The key difference lies between accounting discipline and an economic strategy that upholds the quality of services. Unfortunately, medical and economic efficiency based on quality indicators is not at the heart of the debate.

Despite the de facto recognition of the importance of the private sector in times of crisis (WHO), investment capacity is being called into question: how can we include the much vaunted new technologies such as AI, or take account of recommendations such as “In order to unleash the full potential of health data, the European Commission is presenting a regulation to set up the European Health Data Space”?

Reforms in Germany are leading to management deficits and hospital closures, delays, in France, in publishing hospital tariffs and the introduction of DRG-based hospital payments in Greece on 1 March, all raise questions about a Europe of Health that is still under construction.

At a time when Europe is facing complex elections, the spirit of coordination must prevail, because it is in our common interest to share positive experiences. This is why we are delighted to announce the 3rd edition of the European Private Hospital Awards (EPHA) to be held in Bucharest in May, to showcase our spirit of initiative and reward best practices.

Resilience is a virtue, but realism in the face of the trials and tribulations facing all of Europe’s hospital sectors calls for a shared ambition and real support and this includes economic support.