Recommendations to level the playing field for private and public healthcare providers reiterated – It is important that action is taken

In October 2017, the Competition Authority directed recommendations to the Ministry of Health to level the playing field between private and public health centres. The directive was prompted by comments received from private health centres about competitive discrimination. The letter also addressed the changes that had taken place in the healthcare system in the capital region and the importance of users being able to switch between healthcare centres regardless of their form of organisation, thereby creating an incentive for the centres to improve service, efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the system.

In connection with media coverage in autumn 2021, which complained of the poor operating position of private healthcare clinics, the Competition Authority reiterated its recommendations to the ministry and also published press release Regarding the matter.

The Competition Authority has recently once again received reports that the health authorities have not responded adequately to the recommendations. In light of this, the Competition Authority sought the views and information of both the Ministry of Health and private healthcare centres. In an attached letter to the parties, the Authority reiterates its previous recommendations and points to matters which it considers it urgent for the health authorities to take into consideration.

For example, it has been established that the cost of investigations for private GP practices at the National University Hospital has been considerably higher than for public clinics for the same service. Most investigations for GP practice patients are carried out by the hospital's diagnostic department. Health authorities have been considering equalising the situation in this regard since 2017, but no targeted measures have been taken. Other issues highlighted by the Competition Authority include problems related to centralised services, the specialist training of general practitioners, and the specification and enforcement of requirements.

You can read more about the content of the recommendations. here.