Puglia to activate 116117 for non-urgent medical assistance

The Italian Ministry of Health has authorized the activation of 116117 in Puglia, a European Harmonized Number (NEA) designed for accessing non-urgent medical care and low-intensity territorial health services.

Scheduled to begin a trial phase this autumn, the service will replace old contact numbers for medical continuity services (formerly known as the 'guardia medica'). The number will be available 24/7 and is intended to act as a filter to prevent the congestion of emergency rooms by directing non-critical inquiries to appropriate local services.

Full functionality will eventually allow users to connect with general practitioners, pediatricians, community houses, and territorial operational centers, as well as access telemedicine and video visits. The system will include three operational centers located in the health authorities of Lecce, Bari, and Foggia.

Crucially, 116117 is not a replacement for emergency numbers; 112 and 118 remain the primary contacts for high-intensity emergencies. If an emergency is identified during a 116117 call, the user will be transferred to 118.