Monetary flows for inter-regional health mobility: The case of Italy

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of healthcare mobility in Italy, where citizens have the freedom to access medical treatment across regions. More than half a million patients, primarily from the Southern regions, engage in healthcare mobility, resulting in a total inter-regional transfer of resources amounting to about €3.7 billion in 2019. Leveraging a unique dataset spanning from 2002 to 2019, this research examines financial flows among regions using a network analysis, and identifies the factors influencing monetary flows through a gravity model. Socioeconomic disparities and the availability of specialized services in some regions are the key drivers. Regions with higher healthcare quality and the presence of private licensed hospitals attract more funds. This study offers valuable insights into the intricacies of interregional monetary flows, and finds further evidence of the persistent Italian territorial dualism, which can inform healthcare policy and promote regional equity considerations.