It has been a long-standing issue in the Italian healthcare system – long waiting lists for appointments with specialists. According to recent data, only half of the patients who visit healthcare facilities are able to secure an appointment, leading to frustration and delays in receiving necessary medical care.
In an effort to address this issue, Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, announced that the government is close to finalizing a decree aimed at combating waiting lists. The decree is set to be introduced by Deputy Minister Pierpaolo Sileri and aims to streamline the appointment booking process, making it easier for patients to access the care they need in a timely manner.
However, not everyone is convinced that the government’s efforts will be enough to tackle the issue. The Democratic Party has been accused of using healthcare as a political tool, with little actual progress being made in improving services for patients.
In a recent statement, President of the Italian Society of Hospital Surgery (ASL), Mario Schillaci, emphasized the urgent need for action to address waiting lists. He highlighted the strain that long waiting times are putting on healthcare providers and the impact it is having on patient care.
Meanwhile, the president of the Italian Medical and Scientific Community (Cimest), Antonio Ginevra, called on regional authorities to intervene in order to prevent a further escalation of the issue. He warned that if measures are not taken soon, services may need to be suspended in order to prevent a collapse of the healthcare system.
With the pressure mounting on the government to address this critical issue, it remains to be seen whether the proposed decree will be enough to alleviate waiting lists and ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. The Italian population waits with bated breath for a resolution to this ongoing healthcare crisis.