Italy healthcare services face rising demand in Puglia and Bologna

Healthcare services in Italy are facing rising demands across different sectors. In the Puglia region, General Practitioners recorded a 9.3% increase in assistance activities during the summer of 2026 compared to the previous year. Between June and August, approximately 8.3 million medical activities were recorded, representing an additional 235,000 services per month. This growth was particularly notable in Bari, where activity increased by over 12.5%. Officials noted that new home care pathways for the elderly and vulnerable populations, alongside climate-related emergencies, contributed to this surge.

In the Bologna area, health services are addressing a growing dementia crisis. In 2025, over 11,000 people were assessed by specialized clinics, including more than 8,700 initial visits and 7,000 follow-ups. Of those assessed, at least 7,000 have confirmed dementia, while 4,000 were identified as being at risk. To mark World Alzheimer's Day, local health institutions, including the Azienda Usl di Bologna and the Irccs Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, are launching a ten-day program from September 19 to 29 to promote cognitive health and early diagnosis within the community.