Italian Healthcare Spending Continues to Rise, with Public Spending Reaching €139.4 Billion in 2024
According to the latest report by the State General Accounting Office, Italian healthcare spending is still on the rise, with public spending reaching €139.4 billion in 2024, a 4.9% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, out-of-pocket spending by citizens has also increased, reaching a record high of €46.4 billion, a 7.7% increase from the previous year. This brings the total healthcare spending in Italy to almost €186 billion.
Breakdown of Healthcare Spending
The report highlights that the items with the highest growth rates include personnel (+4.6%), direct pharmaceuticals (+11.8%), goods and services (+9.3%), affiliated pharmaceuticals (+3%), general medical assistance (+3.5%), and private purchases (+1.9%). Furthermore, spending directly borne by citizens is increasing, with expenses for specialist outpatient visits and interventions accounting for 47.5% of total private healthcare expenditure.
Regional Deficits on the Rise
The report also notes that the deficit of the Regions continues to rise, reaching €2.572 billion in 2024, the highest figure in the last 10 years. Analyzing the data, it emerges that 16 Regions have accounts in the red and have had to use their own resources to close their budgets. This is a concerning trend, as it indicates that many Regions are struggling to manage their healthcare spending.
Tuscany’s Healthcare Deficit
Chiara La Porta, group leader of Fdi in the Region, has expressed concern over Tuscany’s healthcare deficit, which accounts for almost 10% of the national deficit relating to health spending. The deficit has increased by almost €172 million in two years, from €72.5 million in 2022 to €244.4 million in 2024. La Porta has announced that she will submit a question to address this issue, citing the need for transparency on how the additional resources from the Irpef increase have been allocated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the latest report on healthcare spending in Italy highlights the need for effective management of healthcare resources and transparency in accounting practices. With public spending reaching €139.4 billion and private spending reaching €46.4 billion, it is essential to ensure that these resources are being utilized efficiently to provide quality healthcare services to citizens. For more information, please visit Here