In 2023, the number of hospital beds in Belgium stood at 63.43 thousand. The forecasted data for the subsequent years show a gradual decline in hospital bed availability. From 2024 to 2028, the number of hospital beds is expected to decrease from 63.34 thousand to 62.98 thousand. This reflects a year-on-year percentage decrease of 0.16% from 2024 to 2025, 0.14% from 2025 to 2026, 0.14% from 2026 to 2027, and 0.13% from 2027 to 2028. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the period from 2024 to 2028 is, therefore, indicative of a consistent average annual decline in hospital bed numbers.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of demographic shifts, especially an aging population, which may increase overall healthcare demand. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and changes in healthcare delivery models, such as increased outpatient care and telemedicine, could further shape bed occupancy rates and hospital bed requirements.
