Italy's Health Reports Spotlight Veneto Lead and Rare Disease Gains

On 14‑15 July 2026 the Centre for Economic Research in Health (Crea Sanità) released the 14th regional health‑performance report. Veneto topped the composite index with 64 % of the theoretical maximum, ahead of Trentino‑Alto Adige (62 %). The study confirmed a persistent north‑south gap – Calabria scored 36 % – while central‑southern regions showed modest improvements. The report highlighted chronic‑care pressures, long waiting lists and the need for better financing and greater involvement of health‑care professionals.

At the same press conference the XII MonitoRare report, presented by the patient federation Uniamo, documented that roughly two million Italians live with a rare disease. Italy provides 95 % of EMA‑approved orphan drugs, placing it among the EU leaders. AIFA technical director Pierluigi Russo noted a high national share of accessible rare‑disease medicines and announced a €17.5 million call for research on advanced, cell and gene therapies. Stakeholders called for patient‑centred pathways and stronger coordination of care networks.

Union leader Anna Maria Foresi (Fnp Cisl) underscored that vaccination in seniors improves quality of life and reduces National Health Service costs, yet regional disparities and vaccine hesitancy remain. She urged actions on health, social and cultural fronts.

Physician Nicola Calabrese (Fimmg) warned that the system now leans heavily on doctors as staffing and funding shortages increase, stressing the urgency of reforms that keep professionals at the centre of organisational decisions.