Italy Launches Healthcare Reform to Address Staff Shortages and Modernize System
Rome, Italy – March 15, 2026 – Italy is embarking on a significant overhaul of its healthcare system, driven by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and a new enabling law focused on reorganizing healthcare professions. The initiative aims to tackle critical issues such as staff shortages, enhance professional skills, and modernize training pathways for healthcare workers.
Addressing Critical Challenges in Italian Healthcare
The reform, announced during the General States of the Technical, Rehabilitation and Prevention Health Professions in Rome, seeks to shift the focus from a hospital-centered model to a more patient-centered, community-based approach. This transformation is seen as crucial for adapting to an aging population, the rise of chronic diseases, and the increasing integration of digital medicine technologies.
Minister of Health Outlines Key Priorities
In a video message delivered to attendees of the General States, Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci emphasized the importance of promoting an overall reorganization within the healthcare sector. Key priorities include addressing staff shortages, evolving professional skills, updating training paths, and fostering professional growth opportunities. Schillaci also highlighted the need to strengthen local healthcare services, a core component of the country’s care system development. Frontiers in Public Health
Valorizing Healthcare Professionals
Diego Catania, President of the National Federation of Orders of Technical Rehabilitation and Prevention Health Professions, underscored the vital role of healthcare professionals in defending the national health service. He stated that the future of Italian healthcare depends on valuing the skills, work, and responsibility of these professionals.
Focus on Technical, Rehabilitation, and Prevention Professions
The reform specifically addresses the 19 Italian health professions within the technical, rehabilitation, and prevention areas. These professions are expected to play a crucial role in identifying effective contributions to the reformed healthcare system, particularly in supporting community-based services and digitalization. ResearchGate
Strengthening Professional Associations
The enabling law also includes measures to enhance the role of professional associations, recognizing their importance in the ongoing development and improvement of the healthcare system.
Looking Ahead
The Italian healthcare reform represents a significant step towards building a more resilient, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system. By prioritizing the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals, Italy aims to address the challenges of the 21st century and ensure the long-term sustainability of its national health service.