Current tariffs do not cover the actual costs of treating patients, and the identified funding deficit for the first half of this year amounted to at least 11.3 million euros. This is stated in the informational report of the Ministry of Health regarding the projected financial situation of the hospital in 2027 and 2028. According to the ministry, one-time additional cash injections can only temporarily improve the hospital's situation but will not eliminate the root cause of the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to change the very principle of payment for state medical services. It is proposed to timely review tariffs considering the real cost of treatment, changes in patient structure, inflation, and the increase in other expenses. ### Expenses are growing faster than income Last year, Stradins Hospital ended the year with **losses of 12.9 million euros**. Its income amounted to 208.6 million euros, while expenses were 221.5 million euros. Compared to the previous year, income increased by 5 million euros, while expenses rose by 17.2 million. Financial problems persisted this year. By the end of the first half of the year, the funding deficit for inpatient, secondary outpatient, and laboratory services was estimated at least **11.3 million euros**. Of this amount, 10.3 million is attributed to inpatient treatment. At the same time, the actual shortage of funds may be even greater: the calculations do not include the discrepancy between state tariffs and the actual cost of medical services, as well as the impact of inflation. ### The hospital treats, but does not receive money immediately By the end of the first half of the year, the hospital had already provided medical services worth **2.3 million euros**, for which funding had not yet been received. The ministry notes that more than **80% of the hospital's income** comes from state-funded medical services. Therefore, the financial situation of the institution directly depends on the tariffs set by the state. However, they do not fully reflect the rising costs of medications and other medical supplies, patient nutrition, utilities, medical equipment upgrades, and other expenses. ### Treating complex patients is especially expensive An additional problem lies in the specifics of Stradins Hospital itself. Here, patients with multiple diseases simultaneously and severe combined pathologies are treated. During one treatment period, such a patient may require several expensive examinations and medical procedures. Their actual cost is not always fully covered by the established tariffs. The ministry emphasizes that it is impossible to solve the problem solely through internal savings of the hospital. The medical institution is obliged to provide treatment for complex patients, continuity of life-saving therapy, availability of medications, and modern medical technologies. ### Financial problems may impact patients If the existing funding system remains, it will become increasingly difficult for the hospital to maintain financial stability, update infrastructure, and develop medical services. The Ministry of Health warns that prolonged funding deficits may ultimately affect the **availability and quality of medical care**. At the same time, the hospital continues to make significant investments. Last year, 23 million euros were allocated for infrastructure and technology, including funds from the European Regional Development Fund and the EU Recovery Fund. However, a significant portion of this money is earmarked for specific projects and cannot be used to cover the hospital's current expenses. ### New problems are forecasted for 2027–2028 The ministry proposes to allow the hospital to exceed the established threshold of negative impact on the budget balance of the public sector, set at 5 million euros. For 2027, a negative impact of 8.6 million euros is projected, and for 2028, 9.7 million euros. The Ministry of Health separately emphasizes that these figures cannot be directly equated to the hospital's accounting losses: they are calculated using a different methodology and take into account investments and project implementation timelines. The report has been submitted for approval until October 13. To exceed the five-million threshold, government consent will be required. The position of the Ministry of Health is that the financial problems of Stradins Hospital are systemic rather than one-time: until state tariffs take into account the real cost of treatment, additional cash injections will only temporarily close the financial gaps.
