A order from the president of Belcastro in Calabria, Italy, forbids residents from contracting illnesses that may necessitate emergency treatment.
As per BBC, Mayor Antonio Torchia’s law comically urges citizens to refrain from dangerous behaviour, accidents, or challenging activities to reduce the need for health help.
Torchia clarified to European media that while the decree is partially humorous, it highlights a severe reality for the town of about 1,200 residents, half of whom are over 65, in a controversial move to raise awareness of subpar healthcare services. 45 kilometers away in Catanzaro, which is only accessible via a street with tight speed restrictions, is the nearest evacuation area. The community health center has no after-hours or vacation hours and is usually closed.
CNN reported Torchia’s stress, stating,” This is not just a provocation, it’s a cry for help”. He urged local authorities to acknowledge the magnitude of Belcastro’s medical problems. The legislation will presumably continue in effect until the availability of routine medical care.
Calabria, known for its rugged scenery and socio-economic problems, has seen 18 facilities close since 2009 due to debt and incompetence, exacerbating medical accessibility issues for inhabitants, according to the New York Post. ” If we do not provide essential service, these settlements, these villages, will die within 10 times”, Torchia said.
Citizens often seek medical care outside the area despite government attempts to dispatch Cuban doctors.
The president’s decree has received widespread support from neighborhood residents, some of whom claim that it essentially highlights a problem that local officials have neglected for years. ” He has done the right thing to stir consciences”, one citizen remarked.
