Alarm Raised by Scientific Societies Over Budget Cuts to Innovative Medicines
The recent budget law has sparked concern among Italian scientific societies, particularly the Forum of Scientific Societies of Italian Hospital and University Clinics (FoSSC), over the cut in funding for innovative medicines starting from 2026. The reduction of 140 million euros is slated to be reallocated to increase the hospital drug budget by 0.1%, bringing the overall increase to 0.3%. However, according to Francesco Cognetti, coordinator of FoSSC, this sum is “absolutely insufficient” given the projected overrun of around 5 billion euros in 2025 for this spending chapter.
Impact on Patients and Healthcare System
Cognetti warns that patients, especially cancer patients, will likely bear the brunt of this measure, as they may not be able to access crucial therapies in 2026. The delay in making new drugs available to patients is already a significant issue, with an average wait time of almost two years from European Medicines Agency (EMA) registration to inclusion in Regional Handbooks. This delay is one of the longest in Europe, highlighting the need for more efficient processes to ensure timely access to life-saving treatments.
The budget maneuver also provides for a negligible increase in new doctors and nurses, which is inadequate to address the real needs and shortages in the healthcare system. The salary increases are insufficient to retain professionals and prevent them from seeking opportunities abroad or in the private sector. Furthermore, there are no measures in place to enhance the work of these professionals or increase the attractiveness of the national health service.
Mental Health and Other Pathologies
The allocation of only 80 million euros to address the significant problems related to mental health and other pathologies is deemed insufficient by Cognetti. The lack of effective responses to increase the attractiveness of the national health service and the absence of measures to address acute emergencies, such as the emergency room crisis or long waiting lists, are also major concerns. The defunding of the healthcare system is worsening, leading to a substantial growth in out-of-pocket spending by families, which has reached 41 billion euros, with an additional 6 billion euros for intermediate private spending.
The FoSSC coordinator concludes that the 2026 budget does not provide any solutions to the pressing issues afflicting the healthcare system. The economic situation of many citizens is already precarious, making it challenging for them to bear the increasing out-of-pocket expenses. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is essential to reevaluate the budget and prioritize the needs of patients and the healthcare system.
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