Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen and the Ziekenhuis GasthuisZusters Antwerpen are allowed to merge.
On July 1, 2024, the Belgian Competition Authority ('BMA') approved the merger between the Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen vzw ('ZNA') and the hospital GasthuisZusters Antwerpen ('GZA'), which together operate under the name 'Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom' (' ZAS') will continue to work together.
A number of conditions were attached to the approval.
ZNA operates a general hospital that is already the largest in Belgium today. Its hospital activities are spread over seven campuses in the province of Antwerp. ZNA also has an outpatient clinic and a medical center where minor traumatology can be treated, both located in the province of Antwerp.
GZA in turn operates a general hospital. The hospital has three campuses and one outpatient clinic in the province of Antwerp.
The BMA thoroughly investigated the merger due to the size of both hospitals. They looked at the possible effects on prices, quality and accessibility of care.
The survey did not reveal any major concerns about quality and accessibility. Possible price increases for certain services, such as fee supplements and single rooms, were seen as a problem.
The ZNA and GZA offered solutions to address concerns, such as guarantees about price ceilings and autonomy of the new hospital. These solutions are valid for three to five years and are checked annually by the BMA.
