The Council of Ministers began shortly after 11:30 and included a decree to reduce waiting lists in healthcare facilities. The decree will consist of 14 articles, with Regions assigning annual targets to general directors of healthcare companies to reduce waiting times. Failure to meet these targets could result in a 12-month suspension from the national list of directors. The decree also calls for involving young doctors, with specializations up to 10 hours a week, to help reduce waiting lists. Furthermore, measures will be taken against those who exploit the system by hiring specialists on a self-employed basis.
The decree also allows hospital companies to hire staff with self-employed contracts and utilize in-house specialist doctors to reduce waiting lists. The provision includes an increase in hourly rates for specialists. The two measures, one regulatory and the other involving spending, were reviewed and refined in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance regarding available resources. This includes an increase in hourly rates for healthcare system personnel up to 20% and a new 15% flat tax. Private accredited entities will see a 1% easing of restrictions to maintain reimbursement by the National Health Service, subject to full integration of booking agendas with regional call centers.
The Regions will be rewarded for meeting waiting list reduction targets, with general directors of healthcare companies receiving a 10% salary increase or reduction based on performance. Additionally, certain medical services such as blood tests and swabs will be available at pharmacies, and primary diagnostics will be activated at general practitioners’ offices. Health Minister Schillaci unveiled some of these measures on a TV program hosted by Bruno Vespa. Furthermore, a bill on the legal, economic, and pension regime of honorary magistrates was introduced, including compensation details and options for magistrates, with emphasis on exclusive or non-exclusive functions and terms for continuation of service.
The new legislation includes provisions for annual compensation for confirmed honorary magistrates who exclusively exercise their functions, with additional payments upon cessation of service. For non-exclusively serving magistrates, a lower annual compensation is provided. The bill also allows for a reopening of the selection process for magistrates who did not opt for continuation. The option for exclusive service is incompatible with other job activities. Confirmed magistrates who did not choose exclusivity may request the option by July 31st of each subsequent year. The aim is to reform the system for honorary magistrates, ensuring fair compensation and efficient allocation of resources.
