Timeline of healthcare in Italy

Timeline of Healthcare in Italy

This article provides a detailed timeline of the development and milestones in the healthcare system of Italy. It highlights key events, reforms, and advancements that have shaped the country's healthcare landscape.

Early History

• Ancient Rome: The concept of public health and medical care was introduced during the Roman Empire. The Romans built public baths and provided medical services to soldiers and citizens.

19th Century

• 1804: The Napoleonic Code introduced the first comprehensive legal framework for healthcare in Italy.
• 1848: The First Italian War of Independence led to the establishment of the first national healthcare system in the Kingdom of Sardinia.
• 1861: The Kingdom of Italy was formed, and healthcare became a responsibility of the state.

20th Century

• 1911: The National Health Insurance Institute (INPS) was established to provide healthcare coverage for workers.
• 1948: The Italian Constitution recognized healthcare as a fundamental right of all citizens.
• 1978: The National Health Service (SSN) was created, providing universal healthcare coverage to all Italian residents.
• 1992: The Regionalization of Healthcare System Act decentralized healthcare management, giving more power to regional authorities.

21st Century

• 2001: The introduction of the "Ticket" system, where patients pay a small fee for certain medical services.
• 2005: The "Essential Levels of Assistance" (LEA) were defined, ensuring a minimum standard of care across all regions.
• 2014: The "Buona Scuola" (Good School) reform aimed to improve medical education and training.
• 2017: The "Salvaguardia" decree extended the coverage of the National Health Service to vulnerable groups, including undocumented immigrants.
• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the resilience and challenges of the Italian healthcare system.

Notable Figures

• Giovanni Berlinguer: Italian politician and advocate for healthcare reform.
• Giulio Natta: Nobel laureate in Chemistry who made significant contributions to the development of synthetic materials used in medical devices.

See Also

• Healthcare in Italy
• List of hospitals in Italy

External Links

• Ministry of Health - Italy
• National Institute for Social Security - Italy