Abstract

The Italian National Health Service is facing a crisis characterized by healthcare deficiencies, economic inefficiencies, and a lack of investments. Furthermore, the ongoing public debate on this critical issue remains incomplete. This book addresses these challenges by fostering interdisciplinary discussions, analyzing organizational issues, and identifying strategies to revitalize the healthcare system in accordance with constitutional principles and the needs of the diverse Italian regions. The decentralized and unequal state of the Italian healthcare system is examined through a comparative analysis of the Lombardia region in the North of Italy and the Puglia region in the South of Italy. Despite similar national funding per capita, demographic disparities impact resource allocation: only individuals with higher income levels can afford more extensive personal spending on private healthcare when the public healthcare system is deficient. This book provides insights into the evolution of the Italian National Health Service, from its inception to the current crisis, serving as a platform for informed debates and proposals for revitalizing actions.