Italy Allocates €235.8 Million for Primary Care Diagnostics, Calls for Broader Investment in General Medicine

The Italian Ministry of Health, led by Minister Orazio Schillaci, announced the release of €235.8 million to purchase first‑level diagnostic equipment—such as ultrasounds, electro‑cardiographs and spirometers—for family doctors’ practices.

SNAMI national president Simona Autunnali welcomed the funding but warned that technology alone cannot improve care. She urged the government to provide stable, structural financing for the training, university specialization and remuneration of general practitioners, arguing that skilled clinicians are essential for effective use of the new devices and for reducing emergency department visits and waiting lists.