When we talk about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), we often focus on the human toll — prolonged recovery, avoidable suffering, and lives lost. But behind every case lies another harsh reality: the soaring economic costs.
From extended hospital stays to additional treatments and legal risks, HAIs are draining healthcare budgets across the globe. And yet — many of these infections are preventable.
The True Price of an Infection
HAIs aren’t just medical complications — they’re financial ones. Each infection triggers a cascade of extra costs:
- More lab tests
- Longer hospital stays
- Higher drug use (especially antibiotics)
- Additional staff time
- Isolation measures
- And in some cases, legal and insurance costs
These aren’t just numbers — they represent avoidable expenses that put pressure on already overstretched hospitals.
Infection by Infection: The Financial Impact
According to data reported in the National Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR) and from AIFA analyses, the average cost of a single Healthcare-associated infections(HAIs) in Italy is estimated at between 8,500 and 34,000 euros. At the national level, the total economic impact of hospital infections exceeds 900 million euros per year, considering direct treatment costs and additional days of hospitalization.
Multiply these by the number of cases a hospital faces each year, and the numbers quickly become staggering.
Why the Costs Keep Rising
Several trends are pushing HAI-related costs even higher:
- Antibiotic resistance increases treatment complexity and duration
- Aging populations are more vulnerable and require longer care
- Staff shortages may lead to compromised hygiene protocols
- Longer hospital stays tie up beds and delay new admissions
And as hospitals aim to do more with fewer resources, efficiency and prevention have never been more crucial.
Prevention Is More Affordable Than Treatment
WHO states that hand hygiene programs can prevent up to 70 percent of preventable infections and generate average economic savings of 16 times the cost of their implementation.
Source:WHO Hand Hygiene
That’s where Handhy comes in.
How HANDHY’s HHS System Helps Reduce the Costs of HAIs:
- Real-time hand hygiene monitoring reduces infection risk at the source
- Data-driven insights help infection control teams focus where it matters most
- Faster response times prevent escalation of minor lapses into major outbreaks
- Support for staff without increasing workload or requiring manual audits
Investing in prevention technologies like Handhy doesn’t just protect lives — it protects the bottom line.
Every Missed Infection Is a Missed Opportunity
HAIs are not only dangerous — they’re expensive. And for most healthcare facilities, the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment needed to prevent them.
At Handhy, we believe smart technology is the key to breaking this cycle — helping hospitals reduce infections, lower costs, and deliver safer care without compromise.
Ready to build a stronger hygiene culture in your hospital? Contact usfor more info or to request a consultation