In ten years, from 2001 to 2010, the health deficit reached 38 billion euros, with a debt to citizens worth 646 euros, but which in some regions has four-digit numbers, such as Lazio, for example, with 2,460 euro, in Molise, with 1,991, and in Campania, with 1,483. These figures give rise to many concerns, above all because, as recalled by an article in the July 25 issue of the Sole 24 Ore, since 2001 hospitalizations have decreased by 17%, the number of beds by 11% (equal to 32,357 units less), the it remained almost unchanged and local pharmaceuticals were often below the ceiling (-0.7% in 2010). From 2006 to 2009, expenditure for the purchase of goods and services (+7.6%) grew more than the other items, and in 2010 for specialist courses (+6.1%). But a reflection is also necessary in broader terms, given that the years to come will certainly not be rosy. In the first place for the recently launched manoeuvre, which envisages a 7.5-8 billion reduction in transfers over three years. With the consequence that Regions and citizens are called to cover the lost revenue. But what is frightening is also the unknown fiscal federalism and standard costs, which from 2013 will increasingly be a reality for Italian healthcare facilities. There are already many Regions under commission (Lazio, Campania, Calabria, Abruzzo, Molise) or subject to plans to recover from deficits (Piedmont, Puglia, Sicily).
DoctorNews – July 26, 2011
