In July 2024, Italy enacted Law 107/2024 to tackle excessive waiting times for public healthcare services. The law established the Piattaforma Nazionale delle Liste di Attesa (PNLA), a national digital platform managed by AGENAS, aimed at centralizing data from regional booking systems. The PNLA provides real-time indicators on waiting times and appointment availability across both public and accredited private providers, supporting transparency, performance monitoring and data-driven planning.
Designed as an interoperability hub, the PNLA aggregates anonymized, non-personal health data using international standards. It features strict security and traceability measures to ensure GDPR compliance. Patients can access summary indicators via a national portal, while policymakers and health managers use the platform to monitor performance and guide resource allocation.
Despite its potential, the PNLA has faced criticism. Concerns include risks of data manipulation – especially if metrics are tied to sanctions – and unclear enforcement mechanisms. Regional leaders are demanding clearer rules for state intervention. Critics also challenge the platform’s performance-driven logic, arguing that penalties without investment may worsen regional inequalities. Consumer groups advocate for a more balanced strategy that combines oversight with systemic support. While promising, the PNLA’s success will hinge on data integrity, clear governance and sustained investment in capacity-building.
For further details, please refer to the policy analysis “The new national platform for managing and monitoring waiting lists” of 28 May 2025.