Italy Relies on 28,000 Foreign Doctors to Save Healthcare
Italy’s healthcare system has long been a topic of concern, with decades of policy errors leading to a shortage of doctors in both public and private hospitals and clinics. In an effort to remedy this situation, the country has turned to foreign doctors, with 87% of the 28,000 foreign doctors in Italy coming from non-EU countries.
The influx of foreign doctors has been a lifeline for Italy’s healthcare system, which has struggled with shortages due to a block on turnover since 2005, poor planning of specialist training, and a failure to replace retiring doctors. This has led to a personnel emergency, with Italian healthcare increasingly reliant on the care provided by foreign doctors.
Many of these doctors come from a variety of countries, including Arab nations, African countries, and South America. Some have come to Italy to pursue prestigious studies in medicine, while others have sought better opportunities.
However, the path to practicing medicine in Italy has not been easy for these foreign doctors. Faced with complex bureaucracy and challenges in getting their qualifications recognized, many have had to overcome significant obstacles to build their careers in Italy. Even today, non-EU doctors face restrictions on permanent hiring in public hospitals, leading many to work in private structures instead.
The situation took a turn during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a temporary relaxation of restrictions and an urgent need for doctors in public hospitals. This led to the temporary practice of foreign professionals being permitted, a move that has been extended multiple times in response to ongoing needs.
Efforts to address the doctor shortage have also seen agreements with foreign countries, with some municipalities partnering with universities abroad to recruit much-needed medical specialists.
While the influx of foreign doctors has undoubtedly helped to fill gaps in Italy’s healthcare system, challenges remain. The restrictions on permanent hiring in public hospitals for non-EU doctors create barriers to their full integration into the healthcare system.
Despite these challenges, the valuable contributions of foreign doctors in Italy cannot be overstated. As the country continues to navigate its healthcare challenges, the role of foreign doctors is undeniably crucial in providing care and support to the Italian population.