Private clinics in France are seeking an additional 600 million euros in funding for the upcoming Social Security budget, according to Lamine Gharbi, president of the Federation of Private Hospitalization (FHP). The FHP has raised concerns about the current funding model, requesting a 3.2% increase in the money allocated to health institutions and a long-term strategic plan over five years. This is to move away from what the federation calls "short-termism," a practice it says creates anxiety and hinders planning. The 3.2% increase would translate to around 600 million euros for the private sector. The FHP notes that hospital fees—amounts reimbursed by the Health Insurance system for services provided by clinics—have remained unchanged for 2025 and 2026. These fees constitute the majority of the clinics’ revenue. The government had expected a 2.7% rise in activity, but Gharbi argues this is unrealistic, as activity typically grows by no more than 1%. Since this target wasn't met, the Social Security has not fully paid out the 2026 budget. The FHP is now demanding the return of about 100 million euros that was not allocated. More than half of the private clinics are currently operating at a loss, and the situation is described as critical by Gharbi. He states that half of the clinics are in deficit and all face challenges in recruiting staff, investing in infrastructure, and meeting wage demands. To support these claims, the FHP has requested the General Inspection of Social Affairs (Igas) to conduct a report that will highlight the economic struggles of private clinics. This report is expected by the end of October, during discussions about the Social Security budget. In addition to the 2027 funding decisions, the FHP is pushing for a multi-year health planning law or a five-year vision to avoid the stress of annual budgeting. The federation also wants the Social Security funding bill to assess the efficiency of expenditures based on the services provided. Gharbi pointed out that while public hospital beds, especially in areas like psychiatry and rehabilitation, are funded, they are often not available due to staff shortages. He also called for better funding of innovation, including robotic surgery, and a "climate change adaptation plan." He criticized the current system for allowing only wealthy institutions to access advanced medical technologies, leaving private clinics at a disadvantage.