Abstract

The «Pact for Health 2014-2016», signed by the State and the Regions in July 2014, aims at reconciling financial sustainability, equity, and universalism in the Italian decentralized NHS. With this in mind, the Pact combines an increase in the allocation of resources with measures aimed at rebalancing the disparities across the country and promoting greater uniformity. Moreover, relevant changes have been introduced in current NHS governance to ensure territorial equity in the services provided. As a result, the Pact strengthens the role of the Health Ministry at the expense of the Ministry of Economy and Finance which has dominated health policy over the last decade.