Italy’s emergency response system is under mounting pressure, according to the latest report by Agenas, which analyses the performance of local health authorities and hospitals.
The data reveal that in 41 out of 110 local health authorities, ambulance response times exceed 20 minutes, well above the recommended national target of 18 minutes. The most critical situation is in Vibo Valentia, where the average waiting time reaches 35 minutes. Calabria as a whole records the longest delays, with several areas regularly exceeding half an hour. Long response times are also reported in Sardinia and Sicily.
At the opposite end of the scale is the Giuliano Isontina health authority, covering Trieste and Gorizia, where ambulances reach patients in an average of 12 minutes. Other well-performing areas include Piacenza, Chiavari, Reggio Emilia, Parma and Genoa.
The report also highlights severe overcrowding in emergency departments. In hospitals such as Rome’s Tor Vergata Polyclinic and Sant’Andrea Hospital, as well as Cagliari University Hospital, more than one patient in five waits over eight hours to be treated.
There is better news on preventive care. Breast cancer screening rates are rising, with Asti ranking highest nationwide, followed by Ferrara and Trento. Home care services show strong results in Polesine, Molise and Teramo, though significant gaps remain in southern regions.