Italian Hospitals Facing Crisis: 32,500 Beds Cut and Over 11,000 Doctors Leaving
In a concerning report released by the 75 scientific societies of hospital and university clinicians (FoSSC), it has been revealed that Italian hospitals are facing a severe crisis. Between 2020 and 2022, a staggering 32,500 beds were cut in hospitals across the country, leaving a significant shortage of available beds for patients. Additionally, over 11,000 doctors have left public facilities during the same time period, further exacerbating the strain on the healthcare system.
The situation is made even more dire by the fact that hospitals are also decreasing in number, with 95 (9%) being closed in the past 10 years. The financing of the Health Fund has increased in absolute terms compared to 2021, but has decreased in relation to GDP and is being eroded by inflation. The lack of resources and personnel is putting the treatment for everyone at risk, according to the FoSSC.
During the Covid-19 emergency, the number of beds continued to decrease, with a total reduction of 32,508 beds between 2020 and 2022. This has created a shortage of at least 100,000 ordinary inpatient beds and 12,000 intensive care beds in Italian hospitals. The average age of doctors is also increasing, with 56% of them being over 55 years old, compared to 14% in Great Britain.
The FoSSC is calling on the government to implement major structural reforms and urgent measures to save the National Health Service (NHS) before it collapses. The situation is further compounded by the fact that many young professionals trained at state expense are opting to go abroad where they can earn higher salaries.
At a recent press conference in Rome, the Fossc coordinator Francesco Cognetti highlighted the critical situation of the NHS, emphasizing the need for strengthening hospitals and ensuring that essential levels of care are maintained. The FoSSC also raised concerns about the neglect of fundamental treatments in 12 out of 21 regions, indicating a widespread issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
The future of Italy’s healthcare system hangs in the balance as the government is urged to take immediate action to prevent a complete collapse. The reproduction of this article is reserved © Copyright ANSA.