The Italian National Healthcare System (SSN) was established in 1978 to provide essentially free medical care at the point of use to all Italians.  Thus, the SSN is by far the major healthcare provider in Italy. 
The Ministry of Health, through triennial national health plans, establishes the fundamental objectives of healthcare, including preventive care, therapy and rehabilitation.  It defines the level of healthcare guaranteed to all citizens and issues guidelines for the organization, delivery and funding of healthcare services paid by the SSN. 
The latest national health plan totaled 97.3 billion dollars, with a per capita total expenditure of 1,582 dollars. 
The 20 Italian Regions, which have the primary role in setting and implementing healthcare policies, are responsible for developing regional health plans and for organizing and delivering healthcare services through local "Health Units".  Regions, and not the central government, are responsible for any deficits and are required to cover them by instituting co-payments and increasing regional taxation.  The SSN receives its funding through the National Health Fund, appropriated every year through the Government of Italy’s budgetary legislation.

Public healthcare accounts for 75 percent of total expenditures for medical equipment and products, with the balance being held by private healthcare facilities.  In addition, the SSN purchases a significant portion of healthcare services from private providers. The SSN has jurisdiction over 196 large hospitals and 600 medium and small size hospitals, which are managed by 197 Local Health Authorities.  The total number of beds in the public sector is 220,932.  The average stay in public hospitals is estimated to be 7.1 days at a cost of $ 750 per day.  In addition, public healthcare manages 7,079 outpatient facilities, 1,506 residential facilities for the elders and 4,794 other healthcare facilities.

Private healthcare service-providers account for 637 private and independently operated clinics, the majority of which 531 are endorsed and operate within the SSN.  The total number of beds in private healthcare facilities is 60,000.  The average stay in private clinics is indicated at 7.0 days...(continues)   

Please note:

This Industry Sector Profile is also part of the more comprehensive
ITALY COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDE 2006.