Position Paper 40/2025 by S. Duranti, L. Ghezzi, L. Ravagli, N. Sciclone
The health service fulfils a fundamental function: preserving the well-being and quality of life of citizens. Thanks to its universal nature, the public health service guarantees all citizens the right to health, removing any obstacles attributable to socio-economic or cultural factors. The services and benefits provided daily by the public health service therefore contribute to the creation of a more equitable society, in which health is a guaranteed right regardless of economic status. Through health expenditure, income inequalities are reduced, safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The public health service also has a significant economic and employment impact: on the one hand, it creates value by generating demand for goods and services from a large number of companies in various sectors; on the other hand, it creates jobs, both directly and indirectly, with a significant proportion of high-quality occupations.
The Tuscany Health Service is therefore not only a provider of services aimed at the health of the population, but also a driver of development for the entire region. Every euro spent on healthcare produces economic, employment and social benefits and should be considered an investment rather than a current expense.
The report examines the contribution of the regional healthcare system to the economy and society of Tuscany, quantifying its impact in terms of value generation, employment and social cohesion.
