Italy updates Essential Levels of Assistance with 800 new services

Italy has officially updated its Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA), introducing approximately 800 new services, therapies, and screenings. Key updates include the national implementation of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) neonatal screening, the expansion of metabolic disease screenings, and the introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). The reform aims to modernize the National Health Service by improving coverage for rare diseases, oncology, and chronic conditions.

In the Puglia region, healthcare authorities are addressing staffing and infrastructure needs. A new hiring plan has been approved for 1,012 positions, though critics note a heavy concentration on medical staff (480 positions) compared to a relatively low number of nurses (42) and social-health workers (19). Additionally, regional officials are working to expand residential care facilities (RSA) to meet the needs of an aging population, noting a significant shortage of beds and a need for increased funding to cover vacancies.