Basilicata introduces €2.50 pharmaceutical co-payment

The Basilicata regional government has introduced a new €2.50 co-payment (ticket) for each prescription for conventional pharmaceutical spending. Regional Health Councilor Cosimo Latronico defended the measure, stating it is a necessary response to national regulations after monitoring by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) revealed a €7 million deviation from the programmed pharmaceutical spending ceiling for 2025.

Latronico emphasized that the measure aims to promote appropriate consumption and maintain the balance of the regional healthcare system. He noted that Basilicata was among the last Italian regions to implement such a contribution and highlighted that approximately 40% of the 7 million annual prescriptions already benefit from exemptions based on income or pathology.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and labor unions. Critics, including members of the Giovani Democratici and local political figures, have labeled the fee a ‘health tax’ that unfairly burdens the elderly, the sick, and families struggling with inflation. Opponents argue the measure is a result of regional budgetary mismanagement rather than a structural reform, claiming the government is passing the cost of its own fiscal failures onto citizens.