Meloni Hails ‘Record’ Healthcare Spending Amidst Criticism

Rome: Premier Giorgia Meloni announced on Thursday that spending on Italy’s national health service has reached unprecedented levels under her administration. Her statement was conveyed during the national day dedicated to healthcare professionals.

According to Ansa News Agency, Meloni emphasized the government’s commitment to healthcare by highlighting the allocation of record funding. “We chose to allocate record funding to healthcare, bringing the National Health Fund up to 136.5 billion euros in 2025 for per capita expenditure of 2,317 euros,” she stated. Meloni also mentioned significant investments, including 1.3 billion euros for hospital enhancements through cohesion agreements with regional governments and an additional 750 million euros sourced from the revision of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

Meloni commended Italy’s National Health Service as an infrastructure of excellence, attributing its success to the dedication of healthcare professionals. She asserted that these professions are integral to maintaining the system’s universal, equal, and solidary nature, qualities that she believes are admired worldwide.

Despite these affirmations, unions representing Italian doctors and nurses expressed discontent by organizing a nationwide 24-hour strike in November. Their protest was against the government’s 2025 budget law, which they argue inadequately addresses the sector’s financial requirements.

Critics, including opposition parties and some medical associations, claim health spending relative to GDP has decreased. They argue that the allocated funds fall short of meeting the healthcare sector’s needs. Meloni, however, dismissed these criticisms, accusing opposition parties of disseminating “falsehoods” about the government’s healthcare expenditures.