A ‘Manifesto for the salvation of the National Health Service’, sit-ins on 15 June in eight Italian cities and a major national demonstration in September in Rome with the aim of bringing 100,000 people to the streets. Medical unions and 20 citizens’ and patients’ associations are united for the first time in a mobilization launched today at a press conference in Rome.
Among the promoters of the initiative are the major medical unions: Anaao Assomed, Cimo Fesmed, Aaroi-Emac, Fassid, Fp Cgil Medici, Federation of Veterinary Doctors, Uil Fpl. Alongside them Cittadinanzattiva and 19 patient associations, from those with rheumatic diseases to those with diabetes or oncological diseases.
“For the first time today we are all on the same side because if public health collapses, health and welfare collapse,” said Pierino Di Silverio, Anaao Assomed secretary.
The mobilization comes from afar. It is motivated, they explain, by the growth of waiting lists, private spending, the renunciation of treatment, which goes hand in hand with the decline in investments in health compared to the GDP, the flight of doctors, lack of assistance in the area. “The right to health is at risk”, due to “a process of deconstruction of the National Health Service which has undermined its sustainability and equity”, explain the trade union organizations representing over 120,000 medical, veterinary and health managers and the associations of citizens and patients. For this reason, trade unions and associations are asking “all political forces for a clear commitment in defense of the public and universal National Health Service”.
“The picture of the data – said Anna Lisa Mandorino, general secretary of Cittadinanzattiva – is dramatic, there is a risk of resignation of citizens, in this already difficult context, differentiated autonomy is a risk for equity of access to care because it will accentuate differences in access to care”.