ART - Managing a Healthcare System 2003

The article discusses the reform of the Italian Healthcare System in the 1990s, which aimed to make the system more flexible and efficient. The reform introduced a controlled competition system, where citizens could choose their healthcare organizations, including other healthcare organizations and Local Health Authorities. Public organizations were also allowed to integrate with private accredited organizations. The article focuses on the role of the Purchasing and Marketing Office in managing the new system, specifically in the context of contracting. It analyzes national, regional, and local regulations and case studies to highlight the main aspects of procurement policy in the Italian NHS. The article also discusses the implications for the internal market mechanism and the activities implemented by the Purchasing and Marketing Office to contribute to decision-making. The article concludes by examining the changes that could affect Local Health Authorities and public independent hospitals from the perspective of purchasing and marketing activities.