The financial data from the SpitalBenchmark association covers almost all Swiss hospitals and clinics and therefore has a correspondingly high significance. For the year 2025, they show a slight, but insufficient recovery. The average EBITDA margin of acute hospitals has risen from 4.0 to 5.6 percent. Although this is a noticeable improvement, the value required for sustainable operation, which is 10 percent, is still far off. "The figures show a breather, not a trend reversal," clarifies H+ Director Anne- Geneviève Bütikofer. "Four out of five hospitals still do not generate the resources they need for investments in personnel, technology, and infrastructure.
Correct incentives for outpatient shifts
Hospitals and clinics are ready to advance the politically desired, medically sensible, and economically efficient shift from inpatient to outpatient services. However, this shift requires a fundamental transformation of the hospital landscape. This means, on the one hand, that hospitals need financial resources for the necessary investments. On the other hand, there need to be financial incentives in place, so that the shift to outpatient services is actually implemented. As long as outpatient tariffs do not cover the actual costs, this incentive for the politically desired change is missing. "Those who advocate for a shift to outpatient services cannot simultaneously limit the resources for it," says Bütikofer. "Hospitals need the right framework conditions to consistently pursue this path."
Against this background, the Federal Council's stipulated cap of 4 percent for the annual increase in total costs of outpatient medical services, as part of the introduction of TARDOC and outpatient flat rates, is very critically perceived, as it questions the refinancing of urgent investments in outpatient services. This may possibly delay a sustainable relief of the entire healthcare system.
The entire analysis can be found at the following link: Auswertung Spitalbenchmark Finanzzahlen 2026
Press Contact:
Anne-Geneviève Bütikofer, Director
Tel.: 031 335 11 63
E-Mail: medien@hplus.ch