“This year it truly seems that there is very little money for healthcare in the budget law, after a year, the past one, which was much more generous. this shows that there is a difficulty in planning. The basic fact is that, unfortunately, With the country’s growth rates, the funds that exist for healthcare are much lower than what would be expected to bring the healthcare system back to a comfortable situation.” Thus Federico Spandonaro, professor at the Tor Vergata University of Rome and president of the CREA Sanità scientific committee, on the occasion of the General States of the Private Hospital Coordination Association (Acop).
“All the study centres, including the one I coordinate, agree in saying that today, with the resources available, the National health Service is no longer able to honor the promises it makes to the population - he explains – and therefore we need to decide whether, like some maintains, maintenance is enough, even if it is extraordinary, or if, as we think at our research center, it is necessary to think about something more than simple maintenance, a real transformation. We must bring the promises back into line with the resources”.
“Unfortunately, resources are limited. We need to think about what the NHS will be like in the coming years and this means rethinking governance. We have a quarter of private spending which is completely separated from public spending and we have a series of other needs to coordinate, rethinking the principles of the National Health Service. Today, issues such as equity and integration, developed 40 years ago, are no longer in step with modern times and therefore we must work on those to find a new shared basis – he concludes -. that the National Health Service it is an achievement of civilization and everyone’s agreement is needed to reform it.”
How does Federico spandonaro propose to integrate private spending with public healthcare funding in Italy?
Interview with Federico Spandonaro: Rethinking Healthcare Funding in Italy
Editor: Welcome,Federico Spandonaro,esteemed professor at Tor Vergata University of Rome and president of the CREA Sanità scientific committee. Today, we delve into the pressing issues facing Italy’s healthcare system, particularly focusing on the recent budget cuts.Thank you for joining us.
spandonaro: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss these challenges as they affect the healthcare services we provide.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You mentioned that this year’s healthcare budget appears substantially reduced compared to last year. What do you believe are the underlying reasons for this shift?
Spandonaro: the situation reflects a broader difficulty in planning and the current growth rates in the country. Unluckily, the available funds for healthcare are far below what is necessary to restore the National Health Service (NHS) to a pleasant operational state. There seems to be a mismatch between public expectations and real financial capabilities.
Editor: That’s concerning.In your opinion, what impact does this budget shortfall have on the National Health Service’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities to the public?
Spandonaro: All study centers, including mine, agree that with the current resources, the NHS cannot uphold its commitments to the population. We are at a crossroads where we need to decide if basic maintenance of services will suffice or if we need a revolutionary conversion of the system. It’s essential to align promises with the resources available to us.
Editor: So,do you suggest that a complete overhaul of the existing system is necessary?
Spandonaro: Yes,I believe it is. While some argue that extraordinary maintenance can sustain the NHS, I advocate for a deeper transformation. Rethinking governance and integrating private spending with public spending are essential steps. we must rebuild the NHS principles, focusing on equity and modern relevance, which are crucial to meeting today’s healthcare demands.
Editor: that sounds like a daunting task. What specific steps do you think should be taken to initiate this transformation?
Spandonaro: The first step is to reassess the governance structure of the NHS. We need collaborative efforts that bring together both public and private sectors. This also involves re-examining principles developed 40 years ago, ensuring they align with contemporary health needs. finding a new, shared basis of agreement among stakeholders is vital for reform.
Editor: What does this mean for the future of the National Health Service?
Spandonaro: The NHS has been a remarkable achievement of civilization in Italy.However, to ensure its sustainability, we must have everyone’s agreement on necessary reforms. Moving forward, we should ensure that the system can adapt to changing healthcare needs while maintaining its foundational values.
Editor: As we conclude, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the future of healthcare in Italy?
Spandonaro: I urge both policymakers and the public to engage in open dialog about the future of our healthcare system. It’s critical that we manage resources wisely and prioritize extensive reform over mere maintenance. The healthcare system’s evolution is a collective responsibility, and everyone’s input is valuable in shaping a resilient future.
Editor: Thank you, Federico Spandonaro, for your insightful perspectives. It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues, and we look forward to seeing how Italy’s healthcare landscape evolves in the coming years.
