Healthcare expenditure represented nearly 10% of GDP across the OECD in 2024, and in some countries has grown by about one-third over the past decade. For households, OECD data show that healthcare goods and services accounted for over 3% of their total spending in 2023. All these figures are projected to increase further.
Beyond the economic importance of the sector, access to affordable healthcare is necessary for a productive life. Because of persistent market failures and the need to ensure affordable access to essential services, governments play an active role in healthcare by providing, funding and regulating the sector. As such regulation is unlikely to diminish, it is crucial that it remains proportionate and avoids unnecessarily restricting competition.
In June 2026, the OECD will hold a roundtable on the topic to examine how regulatory frameworks influence market outcomes and explore the ways in which competition authorities, through effective advocacy, can help enhance access, efficiency and affordability in healthcare services.
This page contains all session information and materials.
