Basilicata confirms €2.50 pharmaceutical prescription fee

The Basilicata Region has confirmed that a new €2.50 fee per prescription for contracted pharmaceuticals will take effect on October 16, 2026. This follows previous uncertainty regarding the implementation date, which was originally intended for October 1.

The fee is applied per prescription, regardless of the number of medication packages included, with a maximum charge capped at €2.50. The measure remains in place after the Regional Council rejected a proposal to revoke it during a session on September 24. Certain health exemptions based on income or medical status will still apply, and direct distribution through health facilities is excluded from this measure.

Regional Health Councilor Cosimo Latronico is scheduled to meet with trade unions on October 5. While unions have called for the abolition of the fee, the Region maintains that the measure is necessary to ensure the balance and sustainability of the regional healthcare system.