Health · Healthcare & Policy · 5 hrs ago
Italy has 42 specialist rheumatology units for about 10 million patients
About 10 million people in Italy have at least one rheumatic disease, but the country has 42 complex rheumatology units.
Their availability varies sharply between regions, and some outpatient rheumatologists cannot prescribe biologic medicines directly.
This can mean patients must travel to another authorised centre to get treatment.
The Italian Society of Rheumatology has set out these gaps in its first White Paper on rheumatology.
It is asking for more specialists, dedicated beds for complex cases, consistent regional care networks, wider access to newer medicines and more rheumatology teaching in medical courses.
The society says earlier diagnosis and treatment can reduce disability, hospital stays and surgery.
A parliamentary bill on reorganising rheumatology care is expected to be ready for debate and approval in the Assembly in early 2027.
Italy has 42 complex rheumatology units serving about 10 million people affected by at least one rheumatic disease.
The units amount to 0.71 per million inhabitants, with marked differences between regions.
About 23% of rheumatologists working in outpatient settings cannot directly prescribe biologic medicines.
The Italian Society of Rheumatology presented its first White Paper on Italian Rheumatology at a Senate conference.
The Society called for more rheumatologists, dedicated beds for complex cases, more consistent care pathways and better access to innovative medicines.
- Who
- The Italian Society of Rheumatology presented the White Paper. About 10 million people in Italy are affected by at least one rheumatic disease.
- What
- The White Paper describes gaps in rheumatology services and sets out five requests to institutions.
- When
- It was presented on the occasion of the 30th World Rheumatic Diseases Day. The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- At a conference at the Italian Senate.
- Why
- The Society called for stronger and more consistent rheumatology care, including better access to specialists, services and medicines.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A bill on strengthening and reorganising rheumatology care was introduced in Parliament.
The effort to strengthen and reorganise rheumatology care was renewed.
The Italian Society of Rheumatology presented its first White Paper at a conference at the Senate.
Senator Maria Cristina Cantù said the bill was expected to be ready for discussion and approval in the chamber.
- People affected
- About 10 million in Italy
- Complex rheumatology units
- 42
- Units per million inhabitants
- 0.71
- Outpatient rheumatologists unable to prescribe biologics directly
- About 23%
- Territorial specialist care proposed
- 30 hours per week per 100,000 inhabitants
What people are saying
There remains a gap between scientific progress and the real difficulties of accessing care, with too many disparities in services.
The more we can diagnose and treat these conditions early, the better the clinical outcomes and the lower the disability, hospital admissions and surgical procedures.
Sources
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