Logan Reid
Hospitals are an essential part of the healthcare system, providing specialized care and treatment to patients. As of 2021, there are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide, with Asia leading the way with over 100,000 hospitals. The United States, a country with one of the largest healthcare systems, has around 6,000 to 7,000 hospitals, depending on the source. The number of hospitals varies across regions, with some areas having more concentrated hospital markets than others. While hospitals provide crucial services, they also face challenges, such as hospital-acquired infections, financial pressures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in temporary closures. By 2026, the number of hospitals worldwide is projected to increase further, reaching 215,977.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in the world | 165,000 (as of 2021) |
| Projected number of hospitals in the world by 2026 | 215,977 |
| Number of hospitals in the United States | 6,090 (as of 2021); 6,093 (as of 2025); 7,335 (as of January 2023) |
| Number of hospitals in Asia | Over 100,000 (60.6% of all hospitals in the world) |
| Number of hospitals in Europe | Over 30,000 (18.2%) |
| Number of hospitals in North America | Over 7,000 (4.2%) |
| Number of hospitals in Africa | Around 8,000 (4.8%) |
| Number of hospitals in South America | Around 15,000 (9.1%) |
| Number of hospitals in Oceania | Around 3,500 (2.1%) |
| Top-ranked hospital in the United States | Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) |
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What You'll Learn
There are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide
The number of hospitals varies greatly by region. Asia has the highest number of hospitals, with over 100,000 hospitals, accounting for 60.6% of all hospitals in the world. Europe follows with over 30,000 hospitals (18.2%), and North America has over 7,000 hospitals (4.2%). Africa has the lowest number of hospitals, with only around 8,000 hospitals (4.8%), while South America has around 15,000 hospitals (9.1%), and Oceania has about 3,500 hospitals (2.1%).
The United States, in particular, has a vast network of hospitals with diverse specializations and purposes. As of January 2023, there were approximately 7,335 active hospitals in the country, according to Definitive Healthcare HospitalView. However, other sources cite lower numbers, with about 6,000 hospitals in the US. The US spends more on healthcare than any other country, with $3.8 trillion spent in 2019. Despite this, hospitals in rural areas of the US are facing challenges, with over 100 rural hospitals closing since 2010 due to factors such as financial deficits and staffing shortages.
Hospital employment is on the rise, with the healthcare industry projected to add 2.4 million new jobs by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth includes healthcare support occupations, such as home health aides and medical assistants. The healthcare sector has been a consistent source of job growth, accounting for over 16 million jobs in the US alone. Hospitals are significant employers, with over 5.7 million people employed in hospitals in the US in 2018.
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Asia has the most hospitals, with over 100,000
As of 2021, there are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide. Asia is home to the greatest number of hospitals, with over 100,000 hospitals accounting for 60.6% of all hospitals globally. This is a significantly higher number compared to other regions such as Europe, which has over 30,000 hospitals (18.2%), and North America, which has over 7,000 hospitals (4.2%).
The large number of hospitals in Asia is partly due to the region's massive population, with 59% of the world's population residing in Asia. To cater to the diverse healthcare needs of such a vast populace, Asia has established prominent hospital chains and institutions. For instance, Apollo Hospitals, led by Doctor Prathap C. Reddy, is one of the leading hospital chains in India, operating a network of 73 hospitals across the country.
Asia boasts several top-ranked hospitals that are recognized for their medical expertise and innovation. The Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, for example, is known for attracting highly skilled doctors, specialists, and researchers who strive for excellence in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. The hospital actively engages in medical research and education, collaborating with international institutions to stay at the forefront of medical advancements.
Additionally, the Renji Hospital in Shanghai, China, is affiliated with the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. This hospital offers a wide range of medical specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, neurology, cardiology, and orthopaedics. The Keio University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, is another renowned institution, particularly for its expertise in cardiovascular care and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and imaging techniques.
The sheer number of hospitals in Asia not only reflects the region's population demands but also underscores the significant investments and advancements in healthcare infrastructure and services. These hospitals play a crucial role in providing accessible and high-quality healthcare to the diverse populations across the continent.
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Africa has the fewest hospitals, with around 8,000
As of 2021, there are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide. This number is projected to reach 215,977 by 2026. The number of hospitals varies greatly by region, with Asia having the highest number at over 100,000 hospitals (60.6% of the world total), while Africa has the fewest hospitals, with around 8,000 (4.8%).
Africa's hospital system faces significant challenges due to limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. Many African countries struggle with a lack of funding for healthcare, which hinders the development and maintenance of hospitals. Additionally, the continent has a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, placing a strain on existing healthcare facilities.
The shortage of hospitals in Africa has led to limited access to healthcare for many communities, particularly in rural areas. This lack of access contributes to lower life expectancies and higher rates of preventable diseases. To address these issues, some African countries have prioritized investing in healthcare infrastructure, including building new hospitals and improving existing ones. International aid and collaborations have also played a crucial role in strengthening Africa's healthcare system.
Despite having the lowest number of hospitals, Africa has experienced a rise in hospital numbers between 2021 and 2026, along with the Far East and China, contributing to the overall global increase in hospitals. This positive trend suggests a growing recognition of the importance of healthcare infrastructure in Africa and a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for its population.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the disparities in healthcare resources between Africa and other regions. Temporary hospital closures due to staffing shortages and the need to allocate resources to COVID-19 patients further strained the already limited healthcare capacity. However, the pandemic may have also accelerated innovations in telemedicine and remote healthcare services, which could benefit Africa's healthcare system in the long run.
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The US has around 7,000 hospitals
The United States is home to around 7,000 hospitals, with sources providing a range of figures from 6,090 to 7,300. These hospitals vary in size, services, and ownership, with approximately 36% being non-profit organisations. The US hospital system includes government hospitals, community hospitals, and specialty hospitals.
The history of hospitals in the US dates back to 1736, with the opening of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, formerly known as Bellevue Hospital Center. Over time, the number of hospitals has grown, influenced by factors such as population growth, competition, industry consolidation, and service specialisation.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) plays a crucial role in advocating for hospitals and health systems in the US. They conduct annual surveys to gather data on various aspects of hospitals, including the number of government hospitals, their distribution across states, and the availability of hospital beds.
The US hospital landscape is dynamic, with hospitals classified into different categories. These include obstetrics and gynecology, eye, ear, nose, and throat care, long-term acute care, rehabilitation, and orthopaedic services. Some hospitals are also designated as rural emergency hospitals, providing essential care in areas where maintaining a full-service hospital is challenging.
The US hospital market is further characterised by the presence of large health systems, with the top ten systems accounting for about 22% of non-federal general acute care hospital beds in 2023. These health systems often encompass a wide range of providers beyond hospitals, such as ambulatory surgical centres and physician practices.
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Hospital-acquired infections affect 1.7 million patients annually
As of 2021, there are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide, with Asia having the highest number of hospitals at over 100,000, followed by Europe with over 30,000, and North America with over 7,000.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect a significant number of patients annually, with an estimated 1.7 million infections occurring in American hospitals alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This accounts for about 32% of all healthcare-acquired infections, with urinary tract infections being the most common type. HAIs are associated with various factors, including medical devices, complications following surgery, transmission between patients and healthcare workers, and antibiotic overuse.
The impact of HAIs is substantial, with patients who acquire surgical infections spending an average of 6.5 additional days in the hospital and being at a higher risk of readmission and intensive care unit admission. Moreover, HAIs are estimated to cost the U.S. healthcare system between $28 billion and $10 billion annually, with surgical infections alone accounting for up to $10 billion in healthcare expenditures.
To address this issue, the CDC has recommended that all hospitals implement Antibiotic Stewardship Programs to optimize antibiotic prescribing and prevent overuse and misuse. Additionally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized $50 million to support states in preventing and reducing HAIs, with funds being used for activities outlined in the HHS Action Plan. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global report on infection prevention and control, highlighting the harm caused by HAIs and antimicrobial resistance, and providing strategies for improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, there are approximately 165,000 hospitals worldwide.
Asia has the highest number of hospitals, with over 100,000 hospitals, accounting for 60.6% of all hospitals globally.
As of January 2023, there are approximately 7,335 hospitals in the United States. However, other sources state there are around 6,000 hospitals in the country.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, has been ranked as the #1 hospital overall by US News & World Report for several years. Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, is renowned for cardiology and heart surgery, while Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, excels in cancer care and research.
By 2026, the number of hospitals worldwide is projected to reach 215,977.
