Abstract
Waiting times for healthcare services represent a key indicator of a health system's efficiency and accessibility. This article analyzes the causes of excessive waiting times, including the misalignment between demand and supply, resource mismanagement, and inappropriate requests. It discusses the policy interventions in Lombardy and explores strategies to improve service efficiency, such as proactive scheduling, digital tools, and patient education. Addressing this issue requires a systemic approach, balancing increased service capacity with effective demand management and organizational optimization.