by InTrieste
The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government has signed a new agreement with pharmacy organizations that expands the role of community pharmacies in delivering healthcare services, while committing additional public funding to support the initiative.
The agreement, signed Monday in Udine by Regional Health Councilor Riccardo Riccardi and representatives of the pharmacy sector, builds on a program launched in 2023 that has gradually shifted some healthcare services from hospitals to local pharmacies.
Under the renewed agreement, pharmacies will continue providing services including appointment bookings through the regional health system, vaccinations, health screenings and the distribution of medicines and medical devices. The program will also introduce expanded telemedicine services, including electrocardiograms, cardiac Holter monitoring and spirometry tests, with additional services to be defined in collaboration with regional health authorities.
Regional officials said the changes are intended to improve access to healthcare, particularly in smaller communities. Friuli Venezia Giulia has about 400 pharmacies, nearly half of which are located in rural or underserved areas.
The agreement also broadens the range of prescription medicines that can be dispensed through community pharmacies instead of hospital facilities, a move aimed at making treatment more convenient for patients.
To support the expansion, the region has allocated €250,000 for the pharmacy services program in 2026 and €1 million annually beginning in 2027, in line with the 2026 regional budget. Part of the funding will continue to support rural and lower-revenue pharmacies through a regional solidarity fund that was introduced on a trial basis in 2025 and has now become permanent.
The agreement also extends pharmacy distribution to certain low-complexity medical devices, such as lancets and needles, through an electronic prescription system that allows patients to collect eligible items using only their health card.
Another component of the plan is the full rollout of the region’s digital pharmaceutical portal, which will enable pharmacies and health authorities to manage electronic prescriptions, monitor medicine distribution in real time and streamline reporting requirements.
Regional officials said the measures are designed to strengthen community-based healthcare while reducing pressure on hospitals and improving access to services across the region.
