Italy's Health Minister Schillaci Pushes Community Health Centre Reform Amid Doctor Opposition

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci has promoted the creation of "Case di Comunità" (Community Health Centres) as a cornerstone of Italy's health‑system reform, arguing they will bring modern, territorial and digitalised care closer to citizens. The plan envisions a network of centres, community hospitals and territorial operational hubs aimed at easing hospital pressure and improving care for frail and chronic patients.

The proposal has met strong resistance from physicians and medical organisations. Francesco Lavalle, vice‑president of the provincial Order of Doctors, stressed the need for "confronto e chiarezza sul futuro dei medici di famiglia" and warned that the reform lacks specialist staff and was introduced without adequate consultation. Following protests, the minister withdrew the specific reform of family doctors, though the broader community‑centre model remains under discussion.

Critics question whether distant centres will truly replace the long‑standing relationship between patients and their local family doctors, and raise concerns about staffing, public‑service status and pension arrangements for any new primary‑care contracts.