Sicily and Puglia boost emergency services with hiring approval and €25 M funding

The Sicilian regional health commission has approved a political amendment that will permit new hires for the in‑house emergency‑call operator Seus 118. Officials said the measure, including a 3% hiring exemption and possible temporary staff until 31 August, is needed to keep the 118 service operating and avoid closures of call‑center positions. "Il 118 non può fermarsi," said commission president Pippo Laccoto.

In Puglia, the regional government approved a €25.4 million investment to upgrade its emergency‑urgency network. The plan allocates €21.4 million to local health agencies and university hospitals and €4 million to ecclesiastical health entities. Funding will support new beds, improved triage, modernised laboratory and diagnostic technology, and renovations at numerous hospitals to reduce waiting times and enhance patient comfort. "Gli interventi serviranno a rendere più funzionali i pronto soccorso," said health assessor Donato Pentassuglia.