MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS: GROWTH OR THREAT?

This study aims to examine the multidimensional effects of increasing merger and acquisition (M&A) activities on healthcare organizations. In the literature-based analysis, the benefits of M&A processes are comprehensively analyzed under the headings of economies of scale, service integration, operational efficiency, technology investments, innovation capacity, patient access and improved clinical outcomes. Moreover, the role of consolidations in accelerating the adoption of modern health technologies such as electronic health records, telemedicine and artificial intelligence is emphasized. The study reveals that M&A processes not only create synergies between health institutions, but also make important system-level contributions, such as providing access to larger patient populations, supporting the development of integrated care models, and increasing research capacity. However, criticisms that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in health institutions may reduce competition, leading to price increases, restricting patient choice and adversely affecting the public interest are also discussed in detail.