sanità

Sanità is the Italian term for health and, in policy terms, the health system and public health activities of a country. It encompasses the organization, delivery, and governance of medical services, preventive care, epidemiological surveillance, sanitation, and policies affecting health determinants. The concept covers both clinical care and population health efforts with aims of improving health outcomes, ensuring access, and protecting against health risks.

Organization and financing: In many countries, sanità is organized as a public or mixed system that seeks universal coverage. In Italy, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale provides universal care funded largely through taxation, with regional authorities responsible for organizing and delivering care within national standards. Services are delivered by a mix of public facilities and accredited private providers; some services require copayments (ticket) and there are regional variations in service availability and wait times.

Core components: Primary care and general practice, hospital care, preventive services, vaccinations, maternal and child health, mental health, and chronic disease management form the backbone of sanità. Primary care physicians often coordinate care and may act as gatekeepers to specialist services in many systems. Pharmaceutical policy, hospital planning, and public health interventions shape the availability, cost, and quality of care.

Challenges and trends: Aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and regional disparities test sustainability. Reforms focus on efficiency, equity, integration across levels of care, and digital health innovations, as well as coordination with broader public health initiatives and EU-wide collaboration on cross-border care and health standards.