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The 2026 edition of HBI took place a few weeks ago under the theme “creating value in changing times”. It was an excellent conference, with top speakers, good networking opportunities, and the participation of relevant healthcare stakeholders. I’m sure that those who attended considered their time in Paris well spent.

I mentioned to some people that at many healthcare documents or events, whether in Brussels or across various countries, the importance of private healthcare providers is often overlooked or downplayed. One gets the impression that people are stuck in a rigid mindset that no longer exists, one that confuses public policy with public provision and fails to truly understand the challenges facing healthcare in terms of its mission, access and efficiency. This time, in Paris, I also remarked how good it would be if some policy-makers and those responsible for healthcare systems were there to understand the dynamics of innovation, the motivations of the partners, and the discussions taking place outside official institutions to drive healthcare forward.

The challenges are so significant that it’s time we realize that, regardless of countries and healthcare systems, what matters is that we join forces to protect citizens’ health. Of course, governments have an essential role to play; of course, in some areas, Brussels must advocate for European rules that safeguard the EU’s principles and enable policy coordination. But we will only be able to solve these problems if everyone – and I mean everyone – realises that what matters most are people’s health needs and expectations, the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, the impact of artificial intelligence, and access to innovation.

We need more investment in healthcare; this cannot be achieved (merely) by decree, but through aligned incentives and the involvement of all stakeholders. That is why it would be so important for the Omnibus Simplification Package to also include measures to streamline the licensing and operational rules for healthcare providers, with similar rules applying to both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, the procurement processes of the Ministries of Health or of Social Protection must take into account their impact on financial sustainability.

And because discussions should be based on fact and sound arguments, this month I highly recommend reading two publications, and their titles explain why:

Demystifying artificial intelligence in health: What health policy-makers need to know (link).
Value-Based Outsourcing Is Associated with Improved Healthcare Outcomes in Low- and Intermediate-Complexity European Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study from Spain (link).

As for private hospitals, the best news we have to share is that this year will see the 5th edition of the European Private Hospital Awards. We have many fine examples to showcase, and I hope there will be a strong turnout so that we can hold a grand gala in November, this time in Central Europe.