Italy's health system faces political and local disputes over funding

In Puglia, health sub‑secretary Marcello Gemmato accused regional president Antonio Decaro of mismanaging the regional health budget, claiming the deficit will force the region to pay for the system’s incapacity. Gemmato cited a Court of Auditors report showing the health deficit tripling between 2024 and 2025 and defended recent government funding increases, while Decaro rejected the accusations and defended the region’s actions.

In Sicily, mayor Terenziano Di Stefano of Gela, backed by civic groups from nearby towns, called for a stronger territorial health network and a new comprehensive hospital. Di Stefano criticised the regional health manager Salvatore Ficarra for a lack of response to the city’s needs and announced plans for a public demonstration to press for concrete actions.