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Between 2014 and 2020, the number of hospital beds in Italy decreased, going from 197 thousand to approximately 184 thousand. The number of hospitals, and more specifically the number of public hospitals in the country, also declined during the same time range. However, in 2021, the number of hospital beds increased considerably, reaching almost 210 thousand.  

Closing of hospitals

Between 2014 and 2016, some hospitals were closed or converted into outpatient care facilities in Italy. Some regions have been affected by these cuts more than others. Apulia was the region with the highest number of hospital closures, during the period considered.  

Patients using hospital services

Over the last few years, the share of individuals using hospital services steadily grew , before dropping in 2019. More specifically, the percentage of people going to the hospital because of minor health issues only slightly increased. The growth was more remarkable among patients who were admitted to the hospital in order to be treated for severe diseases or to undergo major surgeries. As a matter of fact, the share of the latter group of patients increased from four percent in 2007 to 5.7 percent in 2019.