Half of Italians, some 50.2% of
those surveyd, believe that austerity measures and other
government policies enacted in recent years have increased
inequalities in healthcare, Censis said Friday.
The Italian socio-economic research firm found the fear
that public healthcare spending cuts, government budget spending
reviews and the containment of regional budgets are driving
those who can afford it toward private sector options.
Private healthcare spending rose from 29.6 billion euros in
2007 to 31.4 billion euros in 2013, according to Censis' 48th
report on the state of Italy, released Friday.
New inequalities have joined the resurrection of old ones,
thanks to the growth of for-pay healthcare services, the survey
concluded.
A total of 48.1% of Italian respondents said wealth was
among the most important factors determining the outcome of
disease.
However, 86.7% of Italian respondents still expressed
confidence that Italy's national healthcare service, despite its
flaws, is capable of guaranteeing the health and welfare of
everyone.
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