Italy has 105.633 foreign health professionals working in its territory, according to data from the Association of Doctors of Foreign Origin in Italy (AMSI).
These professionals are essential to meet the growing demand in the sector and ensure the functioning of health services, especially in regions with greater labor shortages.
Among these professionals, there are 40.633 doctors, 7 of whom were admitted under the Cura Italia Decree, in addition to 36.400 nurses, 7.800 dentists, 7.700 physiotherapists and 7.550 pharmacists.
Other professionals, such as psychologists, podiatrists and nutritionists, also make up this workforce.
Increased demand for foreign professionals
The demand for foreign healthcare workers grew by 35% in 2023, with an emphasis on doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. The need is especially high in regions such as Sicilia, Sardinia, Veneto and Lombardy, where the lack of professionals has led hospitals and clinics to recruit qualified workers abroad.
According to Professor Foad Aodi, President of AMSI, “more than 2.430 departments, facilities and services have been kept open since the beginning of the year thanks to the commitment of foreign professionals, working from north to south of the country”.
Data by category
- Physicians: 40.633, of which 7 under the Cura Italia Decree
- Nurses: 36.400, including a few thousand based on the Cura Italia Decree
- Dentists: 7.800
- Physiotherapists: 7.700
- Pharmacists: 7.550
- Psychologists: 4.200
Other professionals include podiatrists, nutritionists, speech therapists, ophthalmologists, veterinarians, biologists and midwives, among others.
Among foreign nurses, Romanians stand out, with around 12 thousand professionals, followed by Poles (2.000), Albanians (1.848) and Peruvians (1.500).
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