The contribution of the private healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of the Lombardy Region in Northern Italy.

Abstract

The longstanding relationship between the public and private sectors within the Lombardy regional healthcare service facilitated a rapid increase in hospital bed capacity, the upscaling of SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity, and the achievement of vaccination goals to address the COVID-19 emergency. Therefore, alongside a robust and adequately funded public healthcare service, the private sector serves as an asset to enhance the resilience of healthcare systems, in line with WHO indications.