Emilia-Romagna to launch AFT medical groups in October

Aggregazioni Funzionali Territoriali AFT primary care reform community houses general practitioners

Starting in October, the Emilia-Romagna region will implement Aggregazioni Funzionali Territoriali (AFT), a structural reform designed to strengthen local healthcare services. These functional groupings will bring general practitioners together to work within shared locations, primarily in community houses (Case della comunità).

The initiative aims to address the shortage of doctors and ensure medical availability from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 20:00, providing 12 hours of daily coverage. The reform is intended to manage non-urgent but essential health issues—such as mild gastrointestinal disturbances, fevers, and urgent prescriptions—thereby reducing unnecessary pressure on emergency rooms.

This plan was developed through a collaborative agreement between the regional health department and trade unions Fimmg and Fmt. Regional Health Policy Assessor Massimo Fabi noted that the reform was built alongside medical professionals to ensure a practical and effective transition for public health services.