Italy

In Italy, health care services are provided by the National Health Service (SSN, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). However, the management of the health system is decentralized. The SSN is organized in the shape of a network of regional services: Local Health Agencies (ASL, Azienda Sanitaria Locale) are present in the whole country and enjoy significant independence. Resources are not the same in every region and as a consequence there are several regional differences (quality of care, waiting times etc).