ROME, DEC 8 – The go-ahead for the spin-off of the Ministry of Health from the Ministry of Welfare was given last November 11 by the decision of the Chamber, which approved the decision with 252 votes in favour, 63 against and 156 abstentions. The second step came when, last December 2, a government amendment to the budget bill assigned the new ministry a budget of around 2 billion in 2010. On the basis of the text approved by the Chamber, the establishment of the Ministry of Health it foresees a minister, who will be the current deputy minister Ferruccio Fazio, as Welfare Minister Maurizio Sacconi had announced in November, and two undersecretaries. It is also foreseen that all the chapters relating to health expenditure, including the repayment plans of the Regions, depend on the Economy, with which the Ministry of Health will always have to act in concert as regards coordination and monitoring of technical health activities regional, organization of health services and health professions for all financial profiles. In line with fiscal federalism, the Minister of Health will have to report annually to Parliament on the quality of regional health activities with reference to the essential levels of services provided.
The news of Ansa Salute – 08/12/2009
