Most pharmacies in Italy are small, family-run establishments. However, they can generally fill most prescriptions. Under the Italian healthcare system, medicines prescribed by a GP are provided free of charge or at subsidised rates.
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Since 1978, healthcare in Italy has been provided through a mixed public-private structure. On the public side, the SSN, Servicio Sanitario Nazionale, provides free or very low-cost healthcare to all Italian citizens and non-citizens with residency status.
In Italy, foreign visitors, both from EU and non-EU countries, have the same rights as Italian citizens, which means that in the event of a medical emergency they are assisted and medicated for free in the emergency ward of public hospitals.
Tourists can go directly to a GP's surgery. A list of GPs can be found through the local ASL. If necessary, the state GP will then refer the patient to a specialist. Regions and cities that regularly welcome a large number of tourists sometimes have separate medical practices for patients from abroad.