In the canton of Vaud, massive cuts are preparing in the health sector. According to information from the RTS, the Council of State plans to lower the subsidies paid to hospitals and other institutions next year. A message that the authorities recently transmitted to the circles concerned.
The federation of Vaudois hospitals which oversees twelve establishments throughout the canton was orally informed last week by the state services: cuts are to be expected in cantonal grants in health from 2026. A letter should arrive individually with each hospital in the course of next week to inform them of the decreases that are planned.
The Vaud Council of State wishes to reduce the services of general interest (PIG) which it grants to hospitals. This annual envelope generally is around the half-mini francs. The Vaud government wants to review them downwards to save money.
Larger than expected
The Federation of Vaud Hospitals expected to receive money less next year, but not in this magnitude. According to information from RTS, for the twelve structures that make up the federation, the expected decline is more than 20 million francs for 2026.
The final arrangements and therefore the amounts are not yet definitively arrested. This is part of the measurement plan that the Council of State must take within the framework of the 2026 budget in order to respect the institution framework
Contacted, the Department of Health and Social Action of the canton of Vaud (DSAS) confirms that letters have been sent without specifying the amounts of the economies that are envisaged. “The final arrangements and therefore the amounts are not yet definitively stopped. This is part of the measures plan that the Council of State must take within the framework of the 2026 budget in order to respect the institutional framework”, specifies the DSAS which recalls that the financial situation of the canton of Vaud imposes sanitation measures.
As a reminder, the 2024 accounts have a deficit of nearly 370 million francs, unheard of for 22 years. This spring, the Council of State launched a sanitation plan aimed at 94 million francs in savings.
Up to 30% of their less budget
Contacted, various health structures of the canton of Vaud do not hide their concern in the face of these envisaged economies. Certain entities could lose up to 30% of their budget, according to figures transmitted by the canton to the Federation of Vaud Hospitals.
If these cuts are confirmed for us the risks are major, it would be a resizing of our structure. A risk of closing the institution exists
In detail, among the most affected, the Hospital Establishments of the North Vaudois would see their subsidy amputated by 4.6 million, as well as the Pôle Health Pays d’Enhaut on a budget of 20 million francs, while the health center of the Joux Valley could lose 3 million, or almost a sixth of its annual budget which is 19 million.
“If these cuts are confirmed for us the risks are major, it would be necessary to resize our structure. A risk of closing the institution exists”, alerts Sébastien Cala, president of the Pôle Santé Vallée de Joux and head of the Socialist Group with the Grand Council of Vaud.
Deletions of posts to be provided
Such a decrease could therefore lead to a removal of certain services provided in the hospitals of the canton of Vaud, even downright layoffs, fears Patricia Albisetti, the secretary general of the Federation of Vaudois hospitals. “When you know that the 70-75% of costs for hospitals, it is staff. If you have to consider it, you will do it,” she fears.
Vaud regional hospitals still hope to be able to negotiate at the start of the school year with the government to influence its position.
Mehdi Picand/fgn