The number of hospitals in Belgium has been on a declining trend over the past decade, decreasing from 190 establishments in 2013 to 160 in 2023. This represents a significant reduction, with yearly variations indicating both minor and more pronounced decreases. The year-on-year variation over the last two years was -1.23% between 2022 and 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years stands at -1.66%, highlighting a consistent reduction annually.
Looking forward, the forecast predicts a continued decline, reaching 154 hospitals by 2028. The forecasted CAGR over the next five years is -0.64%, suggesting a slower rate of decrease compared to the historical data.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Potential consolidation within the hospital sector
- Impact of healthcare reforms and policy changes
- Technological advancements and their role in patient care and hospital efficiency
- Demographic shifts and population health needs