Lombardy Region approves new healthcare reforms for oncology and waiting lists

The Lombardy Region has approved new measures to reform its healthcare system, focusing on oncology services and the management of medical waiting lists.

Under the proposal of Welfare Assessor Guido Bertolaso, the region has updated the functioning of the Lombardy Oncology Network (ROL). This update establishes a new governance structure, including a coordination body led by the regional Welfare directorate and various technical commissions. The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between excellence centers and local care, utilizing 'community houses' to ensure patients receive continuous monitoring and support near their homes. This follows data showing an average of 62,669 new cancer cases annually in the region between 2018 and 2020.

Additionally, the region has approved the 2026-2028 Regional Plan for the management of waiting lists. The plan seeks to reduce delays for both outpatient specialist visits and scheduled hospitalizations by improving the programming of services and better utilizing resources across public and accredited private facilities. Key areas for monitoring include specialist visits, endoscopic and ultrasound procedures, and diagnostic imaging such as MRIs and CT scans. The plan also emphasizes the importance of prescription appropriateness to ensure medical requests align with clinical needs.