The national health service has been
allocated 3.25 billion euros in the government's 'relaunch
decree', Health Minister Roberto Speranza announced at the end
of the cabinet meeting that approved the package to help Italy
recover from the coronaqvirus emergency.
Much Higher Than Usual.
"It's a much higher figure than what the State usually
invests in the national health service (SSN) in a whole year,"
the minister said.
"(In the past) it took two or three years to reach a figure
like this.
"But this time, on the other hand, we have a very important
figure in one go".
Regional Network.
Major financial resources will be invested in reinforcing the
regional network thanks to the decree.
"We realised that this was the real key to addressing the
epidemic," Speranza said.
"We are putting 9,600 nurses out on the field, with the
(creation of the) figure of family nurse, and we are investing,
in particular, in home services for fragile people, which will
lift the percentage of people receiving care (in this way) from
4% to 6.7%, that is 0.7 of a percentage point more than the OECD
average".
Stronger Hospital Network.
A big chunk of the financial resources will be used to
strengthen the hospital network.
Intensive Care Places.
"With this decree the number of places in intensive care will
go up to 11,109, 115% more than we had before the COVID
emergency," the minister continued.
"We don't know what's in store for us.
"The experts have spoken of the possibility of a second wave
(of contagion). We must be ready".
Recruitment.
Minister Speranza also announced that another 240 million
euros will be invested in the recruitment of new personnel and
190 will go on incentives for doctors.
Precious Stone.
"We have found the resources to finance another 4,200
specialization bursaries," he added.
"The national health service is a precious stone and it is
necessary to invest in this precious stone to make our country
stronger".
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