It replaced the previous casse mutue health insurance system, upholdinh healthcare as a social right. It is known to be one of the best in the world and, based on many international comparisons, it ranks among the topmost ones: avoidable mortality rates in Italy are among the lowest in the EU, while healthy life expectancy is 71.9 years, one of the highest figures. Public healthcare expenditure in Italy accounts for 7.1% of GDP: how does this compare to other healthcare systems in other countries? It is more or less expensive? What do performance indicators tell us?

Stroke in Italy affects 200,000 people every year. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. And the outlook is not rosy: cases in Europe will increase by 34% between 2015 and 2035, causing 45% more deaths and an additional 25% more permanent disability. Can the damage be limited? Sure, and many regions are trying to raise awareness of life-saving behaviors to adopt in emergencies. But do health campaigns really work?

Satisfaction, happiness, quality of-life, self-realisation, utility, pleasure: there is an ongoing international debate on whether GDP should be ousted as the sole indicator of well-being. The benchmark on which the progress of a society can be evaluated should not be solely economic. This is demonstrated by the World Bank's per capita GDP classifications: in 2017 Italy was among 16% of the most prosperous countries, but ranked only 48th (out of 155) in the World Happiness Report. In short, given parity of GDP, by comparison with other countries, Italy is lacking in certain "happiness factors".