Health

Healthcare spending declines in Italy, 5.8 million forgo treatment

According to Gimbe, public healthcare expenditure is at 6.2% of GDP, placing Italy last in the G7, with over €36 billion behind the European average.

2 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Healthcare spending declines in Italy, 5.8 million forgo treatment — Archive photoPhoto: NiloGlock · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

According to an analysis by the Gimbe Foundation, public healthcare expenditure in Italy fell to 6.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, down from 6.3% in 2024.

Italy ranks last among G7 nations, with figures significantly below both the OECD average and that of other European countries, which both stand at 7.1%.

This reduction has led to 5.8 million Italians forgoing treatment, as reported by the Gimbe Foundation. Additionally, the gap in per capita spending at purchasing power parity compared to the European average is estimated at over €36 billion.

A response from the government is awaited, considering significant budget increases of €18 billion for healthcare are expected over the next three years, as stated by a representative from the Ministry of Health.

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