Healthcare Services: Between Public and Private

Healthcare represents 11.3% of GDP, combining public provision with significant private sector involvement. The sector faces aging demographics, rising costs, and technological disruption.

Private Healthcare Expansion

While France maintains universal public coverage, private providers grow:

Private Hospitals: Groups like Ramsay Santé operate 132 facilities, focusing on profitable procedures while leaving complex cases to public hospitals.

Diagnostic Services: Medical imaging and laboratory services increasingly consolidate under private operators seeking economies of scale.

Digital Health: Telemedicine adoption exploded during COVID-19. Companies like Qare and Livi provide video consultations, challenging traditional care delivery.

Home Care: HAD (Hospitalisation à Domicile) grows 8% annually as technology enables complex care outside hospitals.

Dr. Marie Lambert, working in both public and private systems, observes:

"The dual system creates inequalities—those who can afford private get faster access. But it also relieves pressure on public hospitals. The challenge is ensuring private growth doesn't undermine solidarity principles that make French healthcare enviable globally."