Rome, Nov. 26 (LaPresse) – The president of the Gimbe Foundation, Nino Cartabellotta, has denounced the alarming progressive privatization of Italy’s National Health Service (SSN). According to Gimbe, the growing presence of private actors, ranging from investors to health funds, is undermining the effectiveness of the public system. Privatization is manifesting in two main forms: the increase in direct healthcare spending by citizens (out-of-pocket) and the expansion of private facilities providing health services. In 2024, out-of-pocket spending will reach €41.3 billion, representing 22.3% of total healthcare expenditure, well above the 15% limit recommended by the WHO.
Gimbe notes that privatization is progressively reducing access to public care, while demand for paid health services grows. The analysis also highlights that the number of accredited private facilities continues to increase, with the private sector now dominating many areas, such as residential and rehabilitative care. Public spending allocated to accredited private providers has risen, but its share of total spending is decreasing due to the SSN’s growing underfunding. Cartabellotta criticizes policies that have favored the expansion of the private sector without adequate resources, creating structural imbalances. The growth of “pure” private, non-accredited care is particularly concerning, with a significant increase in health spending outside the public system, further exacerbating inequalities.
Cartabellotta calls for a reform that revitalizes public funding, strengthens public-private integration with clear rules, and safeguards equality of access to care. According to Gimbe, only decisive political intervention can prevent unplanned privatization from turning rights into privileges and weakening the SSN.