Liguria. In Liguria they are well On average, 916 patients were followed by free-choice paediatricians: a share far higher than ceiling set at 880 patients. Our region also has a record in Italy: it is first for percentage of children between 6 and 13 years of age treated by paediatricians of free choice. 95.9% of the population Istat as of 1 January 2023 in the 6-13 age group is in the care of paediatricians of the national health service. This is what emerges from the investigation Gimbe Foundation which analyzed the dynamics and critical issues that regulate the inclusion of free-choice paediatricians in the National Health Service and estimated the extent of the shortage of doctors in the Italian regions.
Until they reach the age of 6, children must be assisted by law by a pediatrician of their own choice, while from 6 to 13 years of age parents can choose between a pediatrician and a general practitioner.
There national exception to the 880 patients is a further 120 temporary patients (residents in neighboring areas, non-residents, non-EU citizens). According to Gimbe, a ratio of 1 freely chosen pediatrician for every 800 patients is acceptable (average value between the optimal ratio of 600 and the maximum with exception of 1,000): based on this data and using the Sisac surveys as of 1 January 2023, Gimbe estimates a shortage of 827 pediatricians throughout Italy, of which 23 in Liguria.
“In reality – explains the president of Gimbe Nino Cartabellotta – the scenario is more critical than the numbers suggest, because with such a level of saturation not only is the principle of free choice hindered, but in some Regions it becomes impossible to find availability of a pediatrician of free choice either in internal or disadvantaged areas, both close to home in big cities.”
Giovanni Semprini, Genoese provincial secretary of the Italian Federation of pediatricians, reassures: “In Genoa, including the hinterland, therefore also Masone, Bargagli etc., we are calm thanks to the Gaslini school. There is a good turnover of young people and those who retire are replaced. The big problem is in the peripheral areas of the region, especially in La Spezia. For years there have been some difficulties and the paediatricians on duty are forced to increase the number of patients. Imperia will also have problems when several professionals retire.” In the last 3-4 years the Gaslini specialty school has increased the number of places to around thirty. “They come from all over Italy – Semprini points out – but at least half of the members are Ligurian and this allows us to also replace hospital workers”.
According to data provided by the Italian Federation of Pediatric Doctors (Fimp), between 2023 and 2026 there are 1,738 paediatricians who have turned/will turn 70, thus reaching the maximum retirement age, exceptions aside: in Liguria 36 retirements are expected.
According to the findings of the Interregional Health Structure (Sisac), as of 1 January 2023, 81.8% of the Istat population was assisted by paediatricians of free choice, with very different percentages between the regions: from 95.9% in Liguria to 60.3% of Sardinia. The national average is 898 patients per pediatrician: 12 regions exceed the average of 880 patients (maximum number of patients without exceptions), including – as mentioned – also Liguria; Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and Veneto exceed the average of 1,000 assisted.
: “Genovesato covered thanks to Gaslini’s school”){kind=link}