SItI, public health services and the territory. New organizational models for assistance

At the 57th National Congress of the Italian Hygiene Society (SItI) we talk about territorial public health. Examples from the experiences of the Emilia Romagna, Lazio and Sicily Regions were brought and discussed

It took place at theGreat Hall dell’University of Palermothe first plenary session of 57th National Congress from the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SItI) from the title “Role of public health services in the territory: new organizational models for territorial assistance and multidisciplinary integration”. The session saw the participation of Dr. Antonino TrimarchiHead of the Integration Area Study Center of CARD (Confederation of Regional District Associations), of Dr. Paolo PetraliaVice President of FIASO (Italian Federation of Health and Hospital Companies), and Health Policy Expert Dr. Antonio Gaudioso (in the photo)who discussed the regional experiences of Emilia Romagna (with the Dr. Fabia Franchi), of Sicily (with the Dr. Rosalia Murè) and Lazio (with the Dr. Paolo Parente). In particular the Dr. Antonio Gaudioso underlined how the pandemic event, which recently ended, reminded everyone of how much it is essential the reorganization of the territorial servicesespecially as regards the “pillars” of the Prevention and of Public health. Intervening on these issues means propose new models which start from a multidisciplinary approachwith an active involvement of the communities in prevention paths, but also by an investment in the “Health Literacy” of citizens.

If the Regions had the possibility, it would be necessary to provide a budget constraint – inside the Health fund – for everything that has to do with investments on the Prevention. At the same time, plan an activity that brings all those together Professionals which, in the future, will carry out a key role in the organization of territorial services. The reference goes to the various General practitionersat the Community pharmacies and to all those involved in strengthening the Territorial healthcare. “Those who deal with Public health they play a key role in the territory – declared the Dr. Antonio GaudiosoHealth policy expert – They are the ones who have to select the Professionals we talked about and put them online. It’s fundamental adopt a clear strategy which allows us to embark on a path towards the well-being of each of us, valorising those professional figures who, for too long, have suffered disinvestments in terms of resources. This change must be made starting from an valorization from a ‘One Health’, with a approach which is, at the same time, multidisciplinary, holistic e systemic“. 　

l’On. Orazio SchillaciMinister of Health, who spoke on the occasion of 57th National Congress from the Italian Society of Hygiene (SItI)stated: “We believe it is necessary to implement new strategies to improve participation in organized screening, also in synergy with scientific societies and citizens’ associations. Today there is a shared commitment on the part of the Regions to do more and to increase registrations for screening. To safeguard the sustainability of our National Health Service we can no longer think in the future of investing only 5% of funds in Prevention. We need to increase this percentage and we must have the courage to face this paradigm shift. For this challenge I am sure I can also count on the work, professionalism and commitment of the Italian Hygiene Society.” At the end of the Minister’s speech, the SItI President, Prof. Roberta Siliquinihe said: “Thank you Minister, we take you at your word and we really hope that the 5% currently allocated to prevention will become 7% next year”.