National Programme Equity in Health

Programma Nazionale Equità nella Salute

The main goal of the programme is to promote health equity by addressing the challenge of inequalities in the healthcare system. It aims to improve access to services and the quality of care, with the overarching objective of achieving more equitable outcomes for the entire population. The Italian Ministry of Health is the Managing Authority and ProMIS is its technical branch; 7 Italian Regions (Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia) and INMP - The Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty as Intermediate Organisations; Local Health Authorities, Municipalities and third sector entities as beneficiaries. The policy spans the entire national territory, covering the entire population with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Its aim is to reduce disparities in healthcare access and services. The policy employs a multidimensional approach, identifying priorities such as access to quality services, reduction of socio-economic and geographical barriers, and promotion of specific interventions for at-risk groups. Implementation involves defining key indicators, such as person-days of external personnel, and supporting Public Administrations through technical assistance projects. Currently, specific data on achieved results are not provided. However, the programme's integrated approach, broad coverage, and focus on vulnerable groups make it an example of best practice in addressing healthcare inequalities.The use of key indicators to assess impact contributes to transparency and programme effectiveness evaluation.