A higher level of health care
is a productive asset for the country, provided costs are kept in check,’ said
Mario Monti, Italy’s prime minister and head of the current technical
government, as he spoke of the latest reform bill focusing on health care.
The reforms were needed to raise the level of
healthcare in Italy, Monti argued.
Andrea Balduzzi, author of the decree, echoed
his words. ‘Spend less and spend better: this is the main aim of the decree
that extends from the reorganization of the primary health care system to
prescription drugs and managerial appointments.’ Although a proposal to
introduce a tax on carbonated soft and juice drinks was eliminated from the
final draft, following protests, other key points remain in the decree. These
include restrictions on the use of commericals that advertise gambling and the
location of slot machines, which now must be 500 metres or further from schools
and hospitals; introducing a fine to those who sell cigarettes to minors;
mandatory medical certificates for those who want to participate in both
competitive and amateur sports; and the presence of automated defibrillators at
all professional and amateur sports clubs.
The
most important part of the new health care reform bill ensures 24-hour primary
health care services to citizens at the 24-hour medical clinics regulated by
regional governments and staffed by teams of general practitioners, including
pediatricians.
