Healthcare workers in Italy took one-day strike action earlier this week, demanding higher investment and funding for the country’s healthcare system, and increased wages. Doctors and nurses state that the demand for healthcare services is increasing as Italy’s overall population continues to age, and there needs to be more resources to hire more healthcare workers. Italy spends 6.2% of its GDP on healthcare services, while other countries in the European Union spend 6.8% of their GDP on healthcare services. The healthcare employees who went on strike are represented by three unions: Anaao Assomed, Cimo-Fesmed, and Nursing Up. The unions stated that 85% of unionized workers participated in the strike action, and the high level of participation is a strong indicator that the country’s healthcare system needs to be improved.
See "Doctors and nurses in Italy participated in one-day strike, seeking higher wages and government funding", Reuters, November 21, 2024