The Risk of Inequality in Italian Healthcare Due to Covid-19

Carlo Ciardo

doi:10.5772/intechopen.97514

Abstract

The Italian National Health Service, characterized by the principles of universality, equality and fairness, has undergone changes over the years that have involved these essential characteristics. The decrease in financial resources was the first element that touched the Italian health organization. The spread of Covid-19 has attacked the balance of healthcare in Italy and put the equality of the entire care system at risk. The reform of the Italian health system, especially through the correct use of European financial resources, is the real test for the Italian health system of the future. It can be a moment of relaunch or the certification of a decline that jeopardizes constitutional rights.

Highlights

Factors affecting the organization and financing of health careThe first element to be evaluated is the demographic one. It is undeniable that there has been an increase in life expectancy
- already represent a substantial modification of the original structure on which the epidemic from Covid-19 had a decisive impact
With reference to financial resources, it should be noted that the crisis of 2007–2008 had already triggered a spiral of decrease in economic allocations through the provision of cost containment measures

Summary

Factors affecting the organization and financing of health care

The first element to be evaluated is the demographic one. It is undeniable that there has been an increase in life expectancy. Suffice it to say that in Europe in 2016 the treatment of cardiovascular diseases alone cost 192 billion euros, much higher than the expenditure necessary for the diseases that most afflict the younger population [5] Another factor that affects the health organization and its financing is that linked to scientific progress and technological innovation. This legislative choice was aimed at reducing health care costs, reorganizing the hospital network and moving health care for many chronic diseases outside hospitals to put it at the expense of “territorial assistance” In reality, this reorganization made the mistake of having accelerated the rationalization of hospitals by the Italian Regions, but it was not as effective as regards the creation of a new territorial assistance which, remained incomplete in many parts of the national territory

Effects of public policies on the National Health Service

Findings

Is Italian healthcare likely to be unequal?