Compliance with waiting times for initial visits and diagnostic tests in individual Italian regions during the first nine months of 2026 shows a positive trend. However, this is not the case in Sardinia: this is where the situation is most critical.
This data emerges from the Bulletin on Waiting Lists updated to September 30, 2026, presented today by Agenas. Specifically, for first-time visits, four regions show a compliance rate of less than 70%. Within this group, all regions have improved, except Sardinia, which has actually worsened: Friuli-Venezia Giulia (67.8%), Sardinia (64.3%, down from 68%), Umbria (62.7%), and Puglia (55.3%).
The regions with the best performances and above 90% are: Basilicata (99%), Marche (94.7%), Lazio (92.3%), Veneto (90.5%), but in some cases the high percentage could be attributable to an excessive number of prescriptions that can be scheduled for 120 days (class P) and therefore attributable to a criticality of appropriateness of prescribing by the doctor or of taking care of patients over excessively long periods of time.
For diagnostic tests, three regions recorded a compliance rate below 70%: Valle d'Aosta (69.7%), Umbria (64.7%), and Puglia (63.4%). Veneto (97%), Campania (95.8%), Basilicata (95.1%), Marche (92.5%), Lazio (90.7%), and Tuscany (90%) performed better, achieving rates above 90%.
"With nearly four percentage points less time for initial visits, Sardinia is not only at the bottom of the list but is the only region to see a worsening of its figures, while all the other struggling regions are improving." This is how Ugo Cappellacci, president of the Social Affairs and Health Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, commented on the data released by Agenas on compliance with waiting list deadlines. "The numbers certify the failed policies of the President-Councillor for Health, who, from the fake reform to the appointments to the Local Health Authorities, has only amassed a long series of illegitimate acts. Instead of starting to govern, she persists in a propaganda campaign that fails to hide the harsh reality."
The replica
The Region claims progress on waiting lists, addressing the critical issues highlighted by Agenas data. Comparing the first nine months of 2025 with the same period in 2026, according to data cited by the Department of Health, several indicators improved, particularly in diagnostics: deferrable services provided within the expected timeframe increased from 65% to 71%, while scheduled services increased from 73% to 79% .
Healthcare provision is also growing, with a 23% increase in appointments for Class D visits and tests and a 17% increase in scheduled services. The Region itself, however, admits difficulties with deferrable initial specialist visits, with adherence to deadlines dropping from 52% to 45%, although this rate increased to 50% in September.
The Region acknowledges that the results are still insufficient and announces more stringent monthly monitoring of healthcare providers. Among the measures outlined are the new Regional Waiting List Management Plan 2026-2028 and the preliminary allocation of an additional €3 million to purchase services from accredited private facilities, with priority given to cataracts, colonoscopies, and gastroscopy.
According to the Department of Health, despite significant critical issues, the data shows an increase in available services and progress in several areas.
(Unioneonline)