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Italian regions launch 116117 health hotlines

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-07 17:19 UTC → 2026-08-09 12:21 UTC · added removed

In late July 2026, the Calabria regional health authority began operating the European Harmonised Number 116 117, a 24‑hour, seven‑days‑a‑week 24/7 telephone service for non‑urgent non-urgent medical needs. Managed by Azienda Zero, the line initially handles continuity‑care continuity-care requests and aims to divert inappropriate calls from the emergency number 118, easing 118 and ease pressure on emergency departments. A week later, in In early August 2026, the Ministry of Health authorized the experimental activation of the same 116 117 service in the Puglia region. The rollout Scheduled to begin a trial phase this autumn, the service will replace the former medical guard, guide callers to local health providers, guard (guardia medica) and function as a filter to prevent emergency room congestion. The system will eventually incorporate telemedicine integrate telemedicine, video consultations, and video‑consultation capabilities. Three direct connections to general practitioners, pediatricians, and community health centers. To support this rollout, three operational hubs will be established in Lecce, Bari Bari, and Foggia, with progress monitored by 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 Ministry unit. 116 117 call, the user will be transferred to 118. Both the Calabria and Puglia initiatives reflect a coordinated effort across Italian regions to expand the EU‑wide non‑emergency EU-wide non-emergency health hotline, improve access to low‑priority medical advice, hotlines and reduce strain on emergency services. improve territorial healthcare access.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-09 12:21 UTC Italian regions launch 116117 health hotlines
  2. 2026-08-07 17:19 UTC Italian regions launch 116117 health hotlines

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