Italy’s Healthcare System Struggles with Long Waiting Lists and Access Issues
The healthcare system in Italy is facing significant challenges despite promises of investment following the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospitals are overwhelmed, emergency rooms are filled to capacity, and long waiting lists are preventing citizens from accessing necessary healthcare services.
In his end-of-year speech, President Sergio Mattarella highlighted the “difficulties encountered in the right to healthcare for all,” citing unacceptable waiting times for visits and tests. According to reports, the funds allocated in the latest health budget are inadequate to address the problem.
A recent analysis by the Passi d’Argento surveillance system of the Higher Institute of Health revealed that 24% of Italians over 65 have given up on medical visits or diagnostic tests due to long waiting lists. The issue is more prevalent in disadvantaged social groups, where the waiver rate reaches 37%. The reasons for giving up care range from fear of contagion from Covid-19 to the closure of medical practices, but the most common reason cited is long waiting lists.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that citizens are forced to bear private expenses for specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and necessary medicines not reimbursed by the health service. According to a report presented to the Ministry of Health, 76% of patients with chronic and rare diseases face waiting lists when booking specialist visits, and similar challenges are encountered with diagnostic tests and control visits.
Rocco Bellantone, the commissioner of the ISS, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the problems that have emerged in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic. The XXI Cittadinanzattiva report on chronicity policies further highlights the strain on the healthcare system, with a large percentage of citizens resorting to private healthcare due to long waiting times and lack of coverage by the public health service.
The current state of the Italian healthcare system underscores the urgent need for comprehensive planning and investment to meet the needs of the population and overcome the challenges that have arisen. The well-being of citizens and the effectiveness of the healthcare system are at stake, requiring a concerted effort beyond political divisions to ensure equitable and quality care for all.