Regional hospitals warn of financial crisis if the 2026 NHIF budget is not adopted

Regional multi-profile hospitals warned that if the 2026 NHIF Budget Bill is not adopted and the 2025 budget remains in effect, the financial condition of regional medical facilities will deteriorate significantly. This was stated in a position paper by the National Association of Regional Multi-profile Hospitals for Active Treatment (NARMPHAT).

The bill was approved on first reading by the Budget and Finance Committee, but the Health Committee meeting failed due to a lack of quorum.

NARMPHAT states that the current version of the budget is the only viable option and accounts for the projected 10.1% increase in funding for hospital care. This is expected to lead to an increase in clinical pathway prices during the negotiations for the new National Framework Agreement.