Italy healthcare faces staff shortages and vaccine waste

Italy is facing critical structural issues within its national health service, characterized by growing medical waiting lists and significant financial waste regarding Covid-19 vaccine procurement.

Pierino Di Silverio, Secretary of Anaao Assomed, highlighted a report from the Corte dei conti stating that waiting lists are driven by a severe shortage of specialist personnel rather than just a lack of funding. Despite 1.845 billion euros allocated for 2022-2025, approximately 265 million euros remained unspent because there is insufficient staff to perform exams and visits. Professionals are reportedly leaving the sector due to low wages, heavy workloads, and legal risks.

Simultaneously, the management of Covid-19 vaccine contracts has drawn scrutiny. Since 2021, Italy has spent approximately 2.6 billion euros on vaccines. Significant portions of these funds have been lost to unused doses and penalties; in 2023 alone, 288 million euros were paid in penalties to cancel orders for doses that were never produced or delivered. Reports indicate that Italy has discarded 49 million doses, contributing to a broader European issue of wasted pharmaceutical resources.