Italy sets out "minimum" healthcare services
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has signed the decree that sets out the "basic levels of healthcare" that are to be provided by the devolved regional healthcare authorities. Billed as a "key step in reducing wastage and improving access to new drugs and diagnostic and treatment procedures", the decree sets out the full list of state-funded services, comprising hospital, specialist and social care and pharmaceutical products, for the first time since the 1978 health service reform.