Dear colleagues, we forward you from the Ministry of Health website. Aiisf directive section Florence
The Senate definitively approved the 2008 Finance Law. Here are the main health measures:
More resources for citizens' health care and for NHS staff contracts
The National Health Fund to finance the essential levels of assistance increased from 97.040 billion in 2007 to 101.457 billion euros in 2008. With an increase of 4.417 billion compared to 2007 and 10.434 billion compared to 2006. The quota also includes funds for the renewal of personnel contracts and to guarantee a better provision of assistance services at all levels and in all health services, from hospitals to family and specialist medicine, home care and pharmaceuticals.
Funding for the construction of new hospitals, services and for new technologies is growing. With attention to energy saving and the environment
Strong relaunch of structural investments in healthcare construction with the allocation of 3 billion euros for the modernization of healthcare facilities, the construction of new hospitals and local services, the renewal of medical technologies, the safety of the structures and the construction of nursing homes for the elderly. Overall, therefore, 3 billion more than in 2007 and 6 more than in 2006. For the purposes of environmental protection and energy saving, for all these works it is envisaged that the appropriations are subject to checks on the adoption of measures significant improvements in energy efficiency and the production of energy from renewable sources and water savings.
The ticket on prescriptions for diagnostics and specialist visits has been abolished
The 10 euro co-payment on prescriptions for diagnostic services and specialist doctor visits is abolished.
The fund for assistance to non-self-sufficient people grows
The endowment of the non-self-sufficiency fund for assistance to non-self-sufficient patients in need of continuous assistance rises to 400 million euro.
More money for workers' health and safety
A further 50 million euros are allocated for the strengthening of the activities for the prevention and contrast of accidents and occupational diseases in the workplace. These funds will go to finance the new training and prevention programs envisaged by the new enabling law on occupational health and safety, approved last August.
More resources for the cervical cancer vaccine
Funding to the Regions is increasing (+ 30 million euros), for the rapid execution of the free vaccination against the HPV virus responsible for cervical cancer. This new public vaccination, the first effective against cancer, will be guaranteed every year to over 250,000 Italian girls. Palliative care, coma recovery units, intensive care and newborn screening
As part of the funds for healthcare construction and the enhancement of services, the budget binds:
150 million euros for the construction of residential and home care structures dedicated to palliative care
100 million for the upgrade
