While Italy goes to the polls, the Gimbe Foundation analyzed the electoral programs to assess the importance politicians place on citizens' health

The pandemic has made the shortcomings and needs of the national health service more evident Photo Video

The pandemic has raised social awareness that a public, equitable and universal health service is a cornerstone of our democracy. But if all the political forces in the darkest moments converged on the need to strengthen the National Health Service (NHS), with the end of the emergency, Healthcare returned to the margins of the political agenda. Yet, between the management of the pandemic, the implementation of the NRP and the ordinary management of over 130 billion euros, public health is a priority issue.
Today the NHS is a 'chronic patient' with multiple pathologies that requires a 'personalized treatment plan': a consistent relaunch of public funding; greater direction and verification of the State on the Regions to reduce inequalities; staff strengthening; reorganization of health care; management of waiting lists; fight against waste; public-private integration; enhance social and health care; stop the advancement of insurance; scientific information to the population; relaunch of health research. But from Gimbe’s independent analysis of the electoral programs it emerges that no party has drawn up a complete plan to relaunch the SSN.
Yet, public health should always be at the center of any government's agenda, because the constitutional right to health protection cannot be held hostage by party ideologies or an electoral round. If health is for everyone, health must be for everyone.

Gimbe Foundation President

Source: oggi.it