On April 27, 2025, the Regional Council of Sardinia officially appointed new commissioners for its healthcare companies, marking a significant shift in the management of the region's healthcare system. This decision comes after extensive negotiations and discussions among various political factions within the majority coalition led by President Alessandra Todde.
The appointments were formalized following the provisions of Regional Law 8, which was approved by the Regional Council on March 11, 2025, and published shortly thereafter. This law allowed for the commissioning of healthcare leaders within 45 days, a deadline that the Todde administration met just in time. The new commissioners will serve for a period of six months from the date of their contract signing.
Among the appointments, Aldo Atzori is set to lead the Asl of Cagliari, while Maurizio Marcias will take over the management of the Brotzu hospital. Vincenzo Serra has been entrusted with the Azienda ospedaliera universitaria di Cagliari, and Angelo Serusi will manage Areus, the regional emergency service.
The full list of new commissioners includes:
- Paolo Tauro for ASL 1 Sassari
- Ottaviano Contu for ASL 2 Gallura
- Angelo Zuccarelli for ASL 3 Nuoro
- Diego Cabitza for ASL 4 Ogliastra
- Federico Argiolas for ASL 5 Oristano
- Maria Francesca Ibba for ASL 6 Medio Campidano
- Andrea Marras for ASL 7 Sulcis
- Aldo Atzori for ASL 8 Cagliari
- Maurizio Marcias for ARNAS Brotzu
- Vincenzo Serra for AOU Cagliari
- Mario Carmine Antonio Palermo for AOU Sassari
- Angelo Serusi for AREUS
President Todde commented on the significance of these appointments, stating, "After the approval of dozens of resolutions and Law 8 last March, today with the appointment of the commissioners, we mark a fundamental step in the reorganization process of healthcare in Sardinia to restore the right to health that has been too often denied to Sardinian citizens." This sentiment reflects the urgency felt within the administration to address the ongoing healthcare crisis in the region.
Despite the urgency, the process was not without its challenges. Internal tensions within the coalition, particularly from the Democratic Party (PD), led to the absence of key members during the council meeting. Councilors Giuseppe Meloni, Emanuele Cani, and Rosanna Laconi did not participate, indicating a rift that could have implications for future governance.
Negotiations leading up to the appointments were intense, with discussions continuing right up until the meeting. "There were frantic phone calls and discussions with all the forces of the Campo Largo to reconcile positions and share the names of the commissioners," said Todde, highlighting the collaborative yet contentious nature of the process.
In this new governance landscape, the appointments signal a departure from previous directors, with none being retained in their current roles. Instead, a fresh slate of leadership has been introduced, with many of the new commissioners coming from various backgrounds within the healthcare system.
For instance, Paolo Tauro, the new commissioner for ASL Sassari, previously directed the Administrative Area Department of the Asl of Gallura and has a wealth of experience in healthcare management. Ottaviano Contu, who will head ASL Gallura, is noted for his expertise in radiology, having served as the director of the complex radiology structure at the Tempio hospital.
Meanwhile, Angelo Zuccarelli, who will oversee ASL Nuoro, brings experience from his previous role as director of immunohematology and transfusion medicine at the Cardarelli hospital in Naples. Diego Cabitza, now in charge of ASL Ogliastra, has a history of managing social health commissioning services.
Federico Argiolas, the new commissioner for ASL Oristano, was formerly the director of the hospitals within the same ASL and brings continuity to the leadership. Maria Francesca Ibba, who will manage ASL Medio Campidano, has previously held similar roles within the system.
As the new commissioners take their posts, the hope is that they will bring about the necessary reforms to address the pressing issues facing Sardinia's healthcare system. The region has been grappling with significant challenges, including resource shortages and service accessibility, which have exacerbated the difficulties faced by patients.
In conclusion, the appointment of these new healthcare commissioners represents a pivotal moment for Sardinia's health system. With a fresh team in place, there is cautious optimism about the potential for improvement and reform in a sector that has been under strain for far too long. The coming months will be critical as these leaders implement changes aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring that the right to health is upheld for all Sardinians.
