Health spending skyrocketing, families increasingly impoverished: the picture painted by the Foundation Gimbe in the analysis of family health expenditure in 2022 is worrying to say the least.
Almost 37 billion euros in healthcare expenditure directly supported by Italian families, the so-called 'out of pocket', with an increase of over 64 euros compared to 2021, which rises to 100 euros for the Center-South. An unsustainable economic burden for many families, especially those in Southern Italy.
Over 25,2 million families on average spent 1.362 euros on health, but that's not all:
4,2 million families have had to limit their health expenses, especially in the South.
More than 1,9 million people have even given up health care services for economic reasons.
More than 2,1 million poor families are at risk of not being able to access necessary care.
Dramatic numbers that highlight the serious shortcomings of the Italian healthcare system, as Nino Cartabellotta, president of the Gimbe Foundation, points out: “The amount of 'out of pocket' spending underestimates the lack of public protection and the economic difficulties of families. These phenomena are more frequent in the South, where the provision of Essential Levels of Assistance is inadequate. Absolute poverty, which today involves more than two million families, requires urgent policies to combat it. Not only to guarantee a dignified standard of living, but also because inequalities in access to care and the impossibility of meeting health needs with one's own resources risk compromising the health and lives of the poorest, especially in the South. Where the unprecedented health, economic and social impact risks worsening further with differentiated autonomy”.
A strong warning and an appeal to institutions to intervene with concrete policies that guarantee access to care for all, fight poverty and reduce inequalities. The right to health is a fundamental right that cannot be subordinated to the economic conditions of citizens.
Article published on 9 April 2024 - 15:33
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