Public Health Institutions in Italy in the 20th Century

Abstract

Only recently studied by Italian historiography, public health is one of the most important sectors of a modern Welfare system. During the Twentieth century Italy faced the hygienic and sanitary problem often with different ways and tools than other European countries. The aim of this article is to understand better the attitude and the development of the main public health institutions, both at the central and peripheral level, during the three great phases that marked the history of Italy in the last century: the liberal age, fascism and the Republic, as well as to highlight the organisations, men and structures that exercised decisive functions in the bureaucratic and administrative State machine. The essay focuses on the most significative legislative measures (for example, the “Testi Unici” of 1907 and 1934) and the turning points that have changed the sector on the institutional plan, from the creation of the Directorate-General for Public Health inside the Ministry of the Interior, and destined to remain for the entire Fascist period, to the birth, in the post-war years, of the High Commission for Hygiene and Public Health, then replaced by the Ministry of Health, until the establishment of the National Health Service in 1978. Keywords: Welfare State, social policies, public health, assistance, institutions