Senate Committee Approves Abolition of Programmed Number in Medical Schools
The Senate Education Committee has unanimously approved a new reform that will abolish the programmed number in faculties of Medicine, sparking controversy and outrage among doctors’ associations and unions. The move is seen as a short-sighted solution to the problems facing the National Health Service, including staff shortages.
The new rules are set to come into effect in 2025, allowing for free enrollment in medical school without limitations. Under the reform, students can freely register for the first semester and access the second semester by achieving all credits and ranking in a national merit list. If not admitted, students will have the option to continue their studies in a different course of study.
University Minister Anna Maria Bernini has expressed support for the reform, emphasizing transparency, equity, and merit in the selection process. However, critics such as Pierino Di Silverio, national secretary of the Anaao Assomed union, have condemned the move as a “final blow to medical education” and a threat to the public healthcare system.
The National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists (Fnomceo) president, Filippo Anelli, also opposes the abolition of the programmed number, warning of a potential surplus of unemployed medical graduates in the future. He suggests alternative methods for selecting students, such as anticipating the first semester of Medicine and providing specialized training in high schools.
The debate over the programmed number in medical schools has been ongoing, with students and aspiring students protesting against the limitations. The recent decision to abolish the cap has caused further unrest among the medical community, leading to calls for signature collections and demonstrations across Italy.
The government has been given a one-year mandate to finalize the details of the reform, with a focus on harmonizing study plans and addressing the needs of the national health service personnel. As the controversy continues, the future of medical education and healthcare in Italy remains uncertain.