health

Health and Education

Health System

Education System

Primary school is rare, because half of kids under five are watched by their grandparents. The right to education is sanctioned by the constitution. It is obligatory until the age of 16, a law that was enacted to fight illiteracy and the exploitation of minors. After elementary school and junior high, students get to choose for high school between secondary and vocational school (five years). Both end in a diploma, which allows for entrance into university. At university, students can choose their program of studies, and whether they want to work towards a degree or a diploma. Traditionally, students would enroll in courses that lasted four to six years. Now they also can choose to enroll in "lesser" degrees, where they take exams and enroll in a three year course. If they want to get a full degree, they can continue their studies two more years.

In general, Italy has low cost health care, and good standards of medical assistance. Italy has a national health system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It provides free or reduced cost service to Italian and EU residents. It is uncommon to make an appointment to see the doctor- they operate on a first come, first served basis. The doctor will provide you with prescriptions, and referrals to specialists, if necessary. Hospitals often have 3-6 beds in a room, with a shortage of nurses. You are unlikely to have air conditioning, television, or a private room unless you go to a private hospital, where it is like a 5 star hotel, although the medical treatment won't be any better- it is often the same doctors working at both the state and the private hospitals. Typically, there are long waits at state hospitals, and less so at the private ones, but a new law allows for special cases to be treated at the private hospitals, and still be paid for by the state. This has resulted in longer lines at the private hospitals. In either case, they might be short critical lifesaving equipment. Those foreigners from outside the EU will need to pay for any medical services up front, and claim them to their insurance later, except in the case of emergency. The pharmacist is qualified to give advice on minor ailments and to dispense prescriptions. Homeopathy is much more common in Italy than in some other countries. In fact, The dentist is not covered by health service, tends to be quite expensive.