Sicily signs drug‑spending pact with family doctors, eyes hospital network reform

The Sicilian regional health authority and the federation of family doctors have signed an agreement that clarifies the handling of the quarterly €9,000 prescription limit introduced in March. The new rules state that exceeding the threshold will not automatically trigger penalties; corrective actions will only be taken if prescriptions are deemed inappropriate. The pact, signed by regional health assessor Marcello Caruso, aims to balance economic sustainability with quality patient care.

Caruso also reaffirmed the region’s ongoing “recovery plan” to eliminate the longstanding health‑care deficit. He said the administration has asked all regional health agencies to improve efficiency and is preparing a meeting with the ministries to discuss the hospital network, including a request for a derogation that would preserve the pediatric cardiac‑surgery centers in Taormina and Palermo.