2024-11-09 12:47:00
The finances of Belgian hospitals are not very good. The situation is worrying for 63% of them. And the figures are all the more serious in Brussels where three out of four establishments are in difficulty.
63% of Belgian hospitals are in the red. Last year, our medical institutions recorded cumulative losses of 174 million euros. On the ground, it shows. Let’s take the example of this pediatric unit that our teams visited. The pharmacy deserves a good facelift.
“The medications are stored in drawers with plastic bins, small cabinets and then everything is handled by hand, of course there are no electronics“, says Stéphane Moniotte, head of the pediatrics department at the Saint-Luc university clinics. In other words, a mistake can quickly be made.
The problem: current finances do not allow any change. To save money, do it yourself: “We try to do selective sorting, to invite staff to turn off the lights when we leave a room, not to leave the screens on all weekend, to turn off their computers in the evening, things like that“, says our interlocutor.
Price explosion
Philippe Devos, director general of UNESSA, the federation of solidarity entrepreneurship in health, notes this complicated situation in our hospitals: “Some hospitals in Belgium have to borrow short term for one month in order to pay staff salaries. These are hospitals which are in completely dramatic situations and which no longer have any means of borrowing, insulating, purchasing new equipment.“
The main problem: energy costs which have increased by 59% in five years. Today, revenues are no longer enough to cover expenses, he adds: “Medicines have also skyrocketed in price. Medical equipment rose well above inflation. For compresses, we are now 15% above inflation, so everyone has increased their prices without our hospitals having done so.“
Another major challenge: lack of staff. Today, the shortage is such that it is forcing certain structures to close. Brussels is the most affected region, three-quarters of establishments are in great difficulty. The sector is calling for an urgent overhaul of the hospital system.
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**Interview with Philippe Devos, Director General of UNESSA**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Philippe. Thank you for joining us today. The situation of Belgian hospitals appears to be quite dire. Can you summarize the current financial state of these institutions?
**Philippe Devos:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Yes, the financial situation of Belgian hospitals is indeed concerning. Currently, 63% of hospitals are operating at a loss, with cumulative deficits amounting to 174 million euros last year. This is particularly acute in Brussels, where three out of four hospitals are struggling significantly.
**Interviewer:** That sounds troubling. Can you explain some of the factors contributing to these financial difficulties?
**Philippe Devos:** Absolutely. One of the biggest issues has been the soaring energy costs, which have increased by 59% over the past five years. Alongside this, the prices for medications and medical supplies have also skyrocketed. For instance, prices for basic items, such as compresses, are now 15% above inflation. This overall increase in operational costs is outpacing the revenue that hospitals are generating.
**Interviewer:** With such financial strain, how are hospitals managing their day-to-day operations?
**Philippe Devos:** Many hospitals are resorting to drastic measures just to keep afloat. Some have to borrow short term just to meet payroll. They are in a position where they lack the means to invest in essential infrastructure or equipment. Unfortunately, this leads to a cycle of insecurity and compromise in patient care.
**Interviewer:** It’s alarming to hear that some hospitals have to resort to such measures. Aside from financial issues, what other challenges are they facing?
**Philippe Devos:** Staffing shortages are another major challenge. In many cases, hospitals cannot find enough qualified personnel, which has resulted in certain facilities having to close services. The impact is most severe in Brussels, where we are experiencing a significant workforce crunch that further exacerbates the struggling healthcare system.
**Interviewer:** With such pressing issues, what do you see as potential solutions for these hospitals moving forward?
**Philippe Devos:** Addressing these systemic problems requires a concerted effort. We need to ensure sustainable financing models that can better support hospital operations. Moreover, investing in staff retention and recruitment is crucial. Long-term planning and collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders will be necessary to navigate out of this crisis.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Philippe, for shedding light on these critical issues facing Belgian hospitals. Your insights are invaluable as we look towards possible solutions for this challenging situation.
**Philippe Devos:** Thank you for having me. I hope that by raising awareness, we can work towards effective solutions that benefit both healthcare providers and patients alike.
