HCA and Bupa reaction to CMA U-turn

On 7 April,2016 | In News

HCA welcomes climbdown

A HCA spokesman said: ‘London offers an open, accessible and competitive market for private healthcare providers.

‘Over the past six years, it has continued to grow and diversify, with existing players expanding and new entrants investing in the opportunities the capital has to offer.

‘HCA welcomes the CMA’s recognition that the competitive landscape in London will continue to evolve and we will engage with the CMA for the remainder of the consultation process.’

Bupa still unhappy

Alex PerryAlex Perry, general manager of Bupa UK Customer, said: ‘The CMA has confirmed again that there isn’t enough competition in central London, with HCA dominating the private hospital market and charging higher prices.

This means our customers have been paying more than they need to for treatment at HCA hospitals in central London and this will continue until potentially 2022.

‘While it suggests that a probable new entrant will bring more competition to the London market, customers won’t see a benefit for up to six years. Meanwhile, they’ll continue to be penalised by higher prices. We ask the CMA to act now to address this gap.

‘We will continue to do all we can to improve affordability and choice for London customers.’