The Def 2024 Reaffirms Neglect of Public Health in Italy
The recently approved 2024 Economic and Financial Document (Def) in Italy has once again brought to light the government’s neglect of public health, as highlighted by Nino Cartabellotta, President of the Gimbe Foundation. The document reveals a concerning trend of decreasing health expenditure relative to GDP, indicating a lack of priority for healthcare in the country.
Cartabellotta points out that the Def 2024 continues to focus on absolute health spending figures, which have generally increased since 2012, rather than addressing the declining health expenditure/GDP ratio. This neglect is evident in the state of the National Health Service (NHS), which has experienced significant challenges such as long waiting times, overcrowded emergency rooms, regional inequalities, and increased private spending.
The analysis of healthcare spending in the Def 2024 paints a bleak picture for the future. In 2023, health expenditure decreased both in terms of GDP ratio and absolute spending, with inflation further reducing the purchasing power of healthcare funds. The forecast for 2024 shows a slight increase in the health expenditure/GDP ratio, but the projected increase in absolute spending is largely based on shifting costs from previous years, rather than actual new investments.
Looking ahead to the three-year period of 2025-2027, the Def 2024 predicts a continued decline in the health expenditure/GDP ratio, raising concerns about the sustainability of healthcare funding in Italy. Cartabellotta warns that further reductions in health expenditure could be on the horizon, as the government struggles to find resources to meet growing healthcare demands.
Overall, the Def 2024 highlights the ongoing challenges facing public health in Italy and the urgent need for investment and reform in the healthcare system. Cartabellotta calls for a renewed focus on increasing healthcare spending to align with European standards and ensure equitable access to quality care for all citizens. Failure to address these issues could further jeopardize the health and well-being of the Italian population, particularly the most vulnerable groups.