Research: financial blow to hospitals due to increased prices | Inland

It is not only energy prices (+43.8 percent) that are skyrocketing, hospitals are also spending considerably more money on services and products this year. For example, the costs for office supplies (+8.5 percent), transport (+7.6 percent) and food (+7.4 percent) are much higher than in 2021, the study shows. 68 hospitals participated in the study.

All in all, hospitals will have an average of 5.8 percent more purchasing costs this year, while under current agreements with health insurers they will only be compensated 1.83 percent for price increases. As a result, there is a risk of a ‘gap’ of almost 300 million euros this year, calculated Intrakoop and the NVZ. The hospitals have to cough up that amount themselves. In addition, the researchers point out that several contracts with suppliers will expire later this year, and that it is possible that new price increases will be implemented. The costs are also expected to rise further after 2022.

The NVZ is concerned about the situation. The hospital umbrella also fears that investments in the field of personnel, data exchange, sustainability and ICT will be jeopardized. Discussions are underway at several ‘tables’ about the expected shortages, but the NVZ cannot anticipate the outcome.

‘Consultation on several tables’

Price increases of energy and certain food products are something that affects the whole of society, responds the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. “Just like in other sectors, this also affects healthcare. It is good to hear that the NVZ indicates that consultations are taking place at several tables.” According to the department, the most important cost item in healthcare is labor costs.

In the meantime, the ministry points to a message from Intrakoop six weeks ago in which it was reported that almost all hospitals made a profit in 2021 and also saw room for investment.

According to a spokesperson, the new price increases force the sector to limit itself to what is really necessary, a discussion that has been going on for some time. “VWS is in talks with all parties to make agreements in an Integrated Care Agreement to increase the sustainability of care,” said the spokesman.

Interest group Health Insurers Netherlands is limiting itself to a short response for the time being. “In the coming period, everyone, including the healthcare sector, will have to deal with higher prices. We will therefore have to make a joint effort to keep premiums as low as possible and at the same time keep healthcare providers financially healthy. After all, we pay for care for each other, together.”

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