Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin
told ANSA Tuesday there will be no cuts in the national health
care system, but rather the system will be made more efficient
so savings can be reinvested in the sector.
"I wish to state clearly that I oppose any new cuts to the
national health service," she said.
"Savings are not the same as spending cuts," Lorenzin went
on.
"Any savings achieved thanks to efficiency measures will be
reinvested in the national health care system, and we estimate
we can save 10 billion euros over five years," she added.
"The government has not decided to cut health care
spending," Lorenzin said.
"Rather the government has cut funding to regions by over
four billion euros, and regions in turn have cut health care
spending," the minister said.
"I have always disagreed on this point," she added. "I did
not think that was the path to follow".
The minister reiterated that the 10 billion euros saved by
reorganizing the national health system and reducing waste will
be reinvested in "innovation, research, staff, and access to new
medications".
"So those who think 10 billion euros will be cut have
misunderstood," Lorenzin concluded.
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