Private hospitals take lion’s share of public waiting list funds

Private hospitals are now receiving 60% of the public money allocated to address Ireland’s waiting list crisis, earning over €100m annually through the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This marks a significant shift in public-private dynamics, as the government increasingly relies on for-profit providers to ease pressure on the system.

But the approach is under scrutiny. Controversy surrounds how funds are being channelled at Children’s Health Ireland and Beaumont Hospital, raising questions about transparency, long-term sustainability, and the role of public institutions in managing access.

For private healthcare leaders, the message is clear. Public reliance on private capacity is growing, but so too is the spotlight. This is not just a funding boost, it’s a reputational moment.

Read the full article to explore the implications.