Sardinia is no longer among the worst performers in Italy in palliative care provision: the most recent surveys show a reversal of the trend. "The data clearly tell us that we're headed in the right direction," explains Alessandra Todde, President of the Region and interim Health Councilor.
Until a few years ago, Sardinia consistently ranked among the lowest in Italy for palliative care coverage, with a fragmented network, significant regional inequalities, and insufficient care, particularly in home care. In 2024, the situation improved compared to previous years, with 1,697 adult patients cared for through home palliative care and hospice, equal to 37% of the estimated national need, and 9 minors, equal to 26% of the overall need.
In the first half of 2025, 1,101 adult patients were treated, with coverage expected to reach around 48 percent of the need by the end of the year. Specifically, coverage for home palliative care has reached 54 percent, allowing Sardinia to now align with the national average, after years of persistent delays.
There are also signs of growth in pediatric palliative care. Against an estimated need for 35 minors, seven patients are already being cared for in the first half of 2025, with coverage expected to reach approximately 40 percent by the end of the year.
"We have made a clear political choice: to invest in regional planning, to strengthen local teams, and to enhance services, with particular attention to the most critical areas," said President Alessandra Todde. "The road is still long," she continued, "but today Sardinia has a clear direction. Our goal is to reach 90% coverage of palliative care needs by 2028, ensuring equal access across the entire region."
(Unioneonline)