23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

psychomotory retardment and learning problems) etc..
We must not forget what the laws themselves indicate
as necessary, the connection and co-ordination operant
within the different spheres, with regard to the specific
areas of competence. The same article 1 of Law 883, ln
fact, states: "The National Health Service is constructed
of the totality of functions, of the structures, of the
services and activities aimed at the promotion,
maintenance and the gaining of physical and mental
health of all the population without distinction of
individual or social conditions and according to methods
which ensure the equality of the citizens as regards the
Service. (...) The National Health Service ensures the
linking and the co-ordination with the activities and with
the practices of all the others organizations, centers,
institutes and services, which are active in the social
sector operatins on the state of the health of the
individuals and of the community""
1092
It must be remembered however how the Italian political
and economic situation has greatly changed during this
last yearw In particular the very serious economic crisis
which has hit the Country and which, while it reflects a
more general world recession, has its own specific
repercussions of particular gravity in Italy and is
changing considerably the existing laws, questioning
the very survival of the National Health Service, at least
as it has been hitherto conceived and financed. We can
expect to see considerable reductions in the state
assistance sector, and the whole of the health service
will work much more in the private sector, thus limiting
many of the existing services, and in particular the
handicapped sector where the government's financial
cuts will be greatly felt
2. Social-welfare sphere