Newsroom
In 2022, Cyprus had significantly fewer hospital beds per person compared to the European Union (EU) average, according to Eurostat. Specifically, Cyprus had about 313 hospital beds for every 100,000 people, while the EU average was 516 beds per 100,000 people.
Among EU countries, Bulgaria had the highest number of hospital beds relative to its population, with 823 beds per 100,000 people. Germany followed with 766 beds, and Romania had 728 beds per 100,000 people. On the other end of the spectrum, Sweden had the fewest beds at 190 per 100,000 people, followed by the Netherlands (245), Denmark (248), Finland (261), Ireland (291), and Spain (294).
Overall, the EU saw a decline in hospital beds over the past decade. In 2022, the EU had 2.3 million hospital beds, down by 7% (171,110 fewer beds) since 2012. Cyprus experienced a smaller reduction of 4%, going from 2,990 beds in 2012 to 2,857 beds in 2022.
The decline in hospital beds across the EU is partly due to advances in medical technology and practices that have shortened hospital stays or replaced inpatient procedures with outpatient or daycare services.
Germany, France, and Poland had the highest absolute numbers of hospital beds in 2022, with 642,107, 374,290, and 231,789 beds, respectively. Conversely, Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus had the fewest, with 2,158, 2,609, and 2,857 beds, respectively.
Regarding long-term care beds in nursing and residential facilities, the Netherlands led with 1,420 beds per 100,000 people, followed by Sweden (1,299) and Belgium (1,283). Bulgaria and Greece had the lowest numbers, with only 25 and 26 beds per 100,000 people, respectively. Cyprus had 286 long-term care beds per 100,000 people, placing it lower on the list.
This data highlights the ongoing challenges for Cyprus in meeting healthcare needs compared to other EU countries.
[Information from CNA]
