Intensive-care units, closely related to surgery, are also in short supply because payments do not cover costs. Most hospitals only set up the minimum number of ICU beds required by law, and are unwilling to expand the number to meet demand. This has led to a situation in which many patients who need intensive care cannot find ICU beds.
與外科關係密切的加護病房更因為給付不敷成本，各醫院都只求達到健保規定的病床數量，不願意依需求擴充，導致許多重大疾病的病人住不進去。