Italian regions dispute health system reforms amid hospital closures

In Liguria, regional Democratic Party councillor Roberto Arboscello condemned the new ASL 2 organisational plan, calling it a "slap in the face" to Savona. He warned that merging the infectious‑diseases department of San Paolo Hospital with a facility in San Remo would eliminate a critical service for over 100,000 residents and weaken Savona’s strategic role as a major port city. Arboscello also criticised the broader regional reform, saying it reduces multidisciplinary pathology services and threatens the quality of care.

Meanwhile, in Sicily, the regional health authority summoned the management of the Caltanissetta health authority (ASP) to the health department in Gela. Mayor Terenziano Di Stefano and regional health assessor Marcello Caruso said the meeting aims to secure concrete actions for the Vittorio Emanuele Hospital, which has faced long‑standing operational problems. Local officials stressed the need for a clear timetable and concrete investments to safeguard hospital services for the community.