Italy considers extension for on-call doctors in emergency rooms

A draft decree submitted to the Italian Council of Ministers proposes an extension for the use of “gettonisti” (on-call doctors) in hospital emergency rooms until June 30, 2027.

These medical professionals are not direct employees of hospitals or local health agencies but are hired via call-in contracts, often through private agencies or cooperatives. The reliance on these specialists is a response to structural shortages of medical personnel in emergency departments. Factors contributing to the shortage include demanding shifts, high levels of responsibility, risks of physical aggression, and perceived inadequate compensation for the workload.