In a move to streamline and improve access to healthcare services, the Italian government has introduced the Superbonus program, which will allow pharmacies to offer additional services to patients. This includes free TV services, sickness certificates, and telemedicine consultations.
According to Silvestro Scotti, president of the Italian Federation of General Practitioners (Fimmg), this initiative is a positive step towards simplifying and enhancing the delivery of healthcare in the country. He stated, “This is an important signal from the Government, which is now working on the ‘simplification’ of general medicine.”
Under the new measures, pharmacies will be able to administer vaccines, provide medication reviews, and offer basic medical consultations. Additionally, fines for purchasing cigarettes will be enforced, with the revenue generated used to fund public health initiatives.
The changes have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the government for expanding access to healthcare services, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the role of general practitioners.
Pharmacies across Italy are now preparing to implement the Superbonus program, with many already seeing an increase in demand for services. It is hoped that these reforms will lead to a more efficient and integrated healthcare system, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers alike.