Healthcare access challenges highlighted in Italy and globally

In Italy, data from the Agenas national platform and analysis by the Gimbe Foundation reveal significant delays in the healthcare system. During the first nine months of 2026, over 4 million medical appointments for specialist visits and diagnostic tests exceeded the maximum legal waiting times. This includes 3.2 million procedures performed after the priority deadline and approximately 800,000 services provided with minor delays.

On a global scale, reports from the World Health Organization and the World Bank indicate that 4.6 billion people lack full coverage of essential health services. Additionally, 2.1 billion people face economic hardships due to health-related expenses. An upcoming event in Carpi, Italy, organized by groups including Medici con l’Africa Cuamm and AIFO, will address these disparities, focusing on how poverty, geographic isolation, and weak infrastructure prevent universal health rights in fragile territories.