Regional disparities in hospital bed availability
In Italy, the number of hospital beds varies greatly between the North and South, with Southern regions facing significant shortages. Calabria, Campania, and Basilicata fall well below the national average of 390 beds per 100,000 inhabitants. Calabria, for instance, records just 315.9 beds, revealing chronic resource deficits.
Best-performing regions
On the other hand, regions like Piedmont (493.3 beds) and Aosta Valley (456.1 beds) stand out for their high bed availability and healthcare system efficiency. These regions exhibit a balanced distribution of beds for acute care, long-term care, and rehabilitation, ensuring better service quality.
Most critical areas: long-term care and rehabilitation
Post-acute care, such as long-term care and rehabilitation, is particularly scarce in many Southern regions, with coverage percentages often marginal. Long-term care accounts for only 5% of total beds in Calabria, compared to 9% in Trentino-Alto Adige, highlighting diverging healthcare strategies.
Acute care beds: a Northern priority
Acute care beds dominate healthcare provision but remain unevenly distributed. In Campania and Calabria, absolute numbers are below the national average, forcing many citizens to resort to healthcare mobility toward other regions.
Social impacts and the need for action
Marco Massarenti, Unimpresa’s national advisor, emphasizes how healthcare inequalities undermine the universality of Italy’s National Health Service. Targeted policies are needed to ensure a fair and homogeneous system across the country.
“The North-South divide is a challenge that requires focused investments and strategic planning,” Massarenti stated.
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