The number of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) units in hospitals and ambulatory health care in Belgium has shown a modest growth trajectory. Between 2013 and 2023, MRI units increased from 121 to 135. The data reveals a brief period of stability from 2015 to 2021, followed by a slight uptick in subsequent years, with a year-on-year increase of 0.75% in 2023. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past 5 years (2018-2023) was 0.3%.

Future trends (2024-2028) forecast continued growth, with a projected increase in MRI units to 142 by 2028, driven by a 5-year CAGR of 0.72%. Notably, the growth rate appears to be accelerating slightly, indicating an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging capabilities.

Future trends to watch for:

The impact of technological advancements in MRI machines, potentially leading to higher adoption rates.
Changes in healthcare policies and funding that could affect the installation and operation of MRI units.
The role of private health care providers in expanding MRI unit availability.