Regional Inequities in the Distribution of the Health Workforce in Italy: An Analysis of Systemic Disparities and Policy Implications

Background/Objectives: Inequalities in access to health professionals represent a significant challenge in achieving equitable health care systems. In many countries, particularly those with decentralized governance, disparities in the distribution of human health resources persist despite efforts to promote uniform access. This study investigates the extent and determinants of regional inequality in the distribution of the healthcare workforce in Italy. Methods: A retrospective ecological analysis was conducted using administrative data on physicians and nurses per 10,000 inhabitants across Italy’s regions from 2010 to 2021. The Gini coefficient was used to measure inequality in workforce distribution. Additional indicators such as average salary and health expenditure per capita were examined to identify potential drivers of disparity. Conclusions: Despite a universal national health system, Italy continues to exhibit pronounced regional disparities in the distribution of healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to promote equity in health workforce allocation. A better alignment between national planning and regional implementation could help reduce inequalities and improve access to care in underserved areas.