Italian regions launch 116117 health hotlines

In late July 2026, the Calabria regional health authority began operating the European Harmonised Number 116 117, a 24/7 telephone service for non-urgent medical needs. Managed by Azienda Zero, the line handles continuity-care requests to divert inappropriate calls from the emergency number 118 and ease pressure on emergency departments.

In early August 2026, the Ministry of Health authorized the experimental activation of the same service in the Puglia region. Scheduled to begin a trial phase this autumn, the service will replace the former medical guard (guardia medica) and function as a filter to prevent emergency room congestion. The system will eventually integrate telemedicine, video consultations, and direct connections to general practitioners, pediatricians, and community health centers.

To support this rollout, three operational hubs will be established in Lecce, Bari, and Foggia. While 116 117 serves low-priority medical inquiries, 112 and 118 remain the primary contacts for high-intensity emergencies; if an emergency is identified during a 116 117 call, the user will be transferred to 118. Both the Calabria and Puglia initiatives reflect a coordinated effort to expand EU-wide non-emergency health hotlines and improve territorial healthcare access.