Italian Mayor’s Decree Bans Illness Amid Healthcare Shortages
In a bold move to highlight severe healthcare shortages, Antonio Torchia, the mayor of Belcastro in southern Italy, has issued a decree “prohibiting illness” among residents.
The proclamation urges the town’s 1,300 inhabitants, half of whom are elderly, to avoid behaviors that could lead to accidents or health emergencies. The town’s health center often remains closed, with no on-call doctors available during weekends or holidays. The nearest emergency room is 45 kilometers away in Catanzaro, making medical access difficult.
“This is not just a provocation,” Torchia told Corriere della Calabria. “The ordinance is a cry for help and a spotlight on an unacceptable situation.”
The decree advises residents to minimize outings, avoid strenuous activities, and prioritize rest until the local health center can provide consistent services. It is unclear how the order will be enforced.
Torchia hopes the decree pressures regional authorities to address the healthcare crisis affecting Belcastro and similar towns in Calabria, a region plagued by population decline and resource shortages. “Come live here for a week and see how safe you feel,” he challenged officials.
This ironic yet impactful plea underscores the urgent need for healthcare reforms in Italy’s rural communities.