Most of the measures that were
due to be introduced by a three-year Italian healthcare plan
formulated in 2014 are still on hold, health service workers and
patients said Tuesday.
The so-called Pact for Health agreed between central
government and regional administrations in the summer of 2014
was billed as a ground-breaking deal by ministers.
However, measures that still need to be completed include
the introduction of new prescription charges and a review of
essential services.
The programme also contains plans to standardise the cost
of medicines across the regions and guidelines for the
reinvestment of funds saved as the result of an internal
spending review.
At least 75% of Italy's doctors, pediatricians and public
sector vets took part in a strike in December in protest at the
government's budget bill and its failure to provide financial
coverage for new hires.
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