The Italian government has recently implemented a new rule in the Pnrr decree aimed at facilitating the hiring of specialist doctors. The reform is designed to combat the issue of “token doctors,” freelancers who work for short periods at hospitals and incur high costs.
The new rule consists of two main components. Firstly, it addresses the spending ceiling that healthcare companies must adhere to when hiring new staff. Under the new law, this spending cap will be increased, allowing for more flexibility in hiring specialist doctors and healthcare professionals on fixed-term contracts.
Secondly, the rule eliminates the minimum 18-month limit on the duration of employment contracts for resident doctors hired by healthcare companies outside of their specialization school network. This change allows local health authorities to hire residents for the entire remaining duration of their studies.
Marcello Gemmato, Undersecretary of Health, stated that these measures aim to give recognition to the important role that doctors play within the National Health Service. The new rules are also intended to provide a concrete response to strengthen the healthcare workforce in public health.
The Italian Medical Association and the Federation of Medical Associations have expressed satisfaction with the new rules. Filippo Anelli, president of Fnomceo, praised the government for taking steps to eliminate outdated spending ceilings on staff hiring and increase human capital in the healthcare sector.
The new rule on specialist doctors is seen as a positive step towards addressing the issue of token doctors, who have cost the Italian state billions of euros in recent years. By facilitating the hiring of specialist doctors and residents, the government hopes to improve healthcare services and reduce the reliance on costly freelancers.