# Italian healthcare reform and policy priorities > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-healthcare-reform-and-policy-priorities > Updated: 2026-10-20T15:17:57.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci has outlined several key priorities for the modernization of the National Health Service (SSN). In Siena, Schillaci identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a critical global threat requiring a ‘One Health’ approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors. He also announced intentions to finalize a new National Health Plan, noting that a comprehensive plan has been absent since 2008. At the 58th Sumai Congress in Rome, Schillaci defended the quality of the SSN, describing it as an ‘extremely high level’ system and an excellence envied worldwide. He noted that the ministry frequently receives letters of gratitude from foreign citizens regarding the quality of care received in Italy. He emphasized the ‘Case di comunità’ (community houses) initiative as a major effort to decentralize healthcare and shift the focus toward prevention and the care of elderly and fragile patients. To support these reforms, the Minister confirmed that recruitment efforts are underway to address staffing needs and ensure these new local structures are fully operational. However, Gianluca Giuliano, national secretary of UGL Salute, raised concerns regarding the financial impact of medical errors. Giuliano reported that public health structures allocated 516 million euros in a single year to cover claims, as part of a larger 2.26 billion euro fund. He argued that these costs, including legal and insurance expenses, divert resources from essential care. Giuliano attributed the rise in litigation to organizational deficiencies, such as staff shortages and overcrowded wards, which contribute to professional pressure and defensive medicine. ## Claims - Italy possesses a high-level national health service that is envied worldwide. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Ministry of Health receives nearly daily letters of thanks from foreign citizens regarding medical care received without cost. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 'Case di comunità' project is the most ambitious healthcare initiative in Italy of the last decade. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The goal of the healthcare reform is to bring medical services closer to citizens and rebalance the system between hospitals and local territories. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Ministry is working to recruit the necessary personnel to ensure the operational capacity of new healthcare structures. (corroborated by 3 sources) - There was a significant acceleration in healthcare reform implementation across several regions during the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Italy's Health Minister defends SSN amid concerns over medical errors Health Minister Orazio Schillaci defended Italy's healthcare system as a global excellence, while UGL Salute warned that 516 million euros in medical error claims are straining public budgets. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-health-minister-defends-national-health-service-quality ### 2026-10-19: Orazio Schillaci outlines Italian health priorities and AMR response Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci is prioritizing the creation of a new National Health Plan and addressing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance through international cooperation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orazio-schillaci-outlines-italian-health-priorities-and-amr-response --- Cite as: Italian healthcare reform and policy priorities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-healthcare-reform-and-policy-priorities