Worker from Bergamo Forced to Wait Until 2025 for Public Health Tests, Turns to Private Sector
A worker from Bergamo suffering from cancer faced a shocking reality when she tried to schedule four diagnostic tests through the public health system – she would have to wait until the end of 2025. The woman, who is currently undergoing treatment with anti-tumor medication, needed to undergo mammography, breast ultrasound, chest X-ray, and full abdominal ultrasound by her next medical consultation. Despite being exempt from paying the ticket fee, she was informed that the earliest available dates for the tests were in 2025.
Faced with such a long wait, the worker decided to seek help from the private sector and was able to secure appointments for the tests on March 7th, albeit at a cost of 422 euros. The situation highlights the stark contrast between access to healthcare for those with financial means and those who cannot afford private care.
The worker’s experience has sparked outrage among healthcare advocates, with Spi-Cgil Bergamo urging citizens to assert their right to health. The organization is calling for the establishment of a single booking center to reduce waiting lists and ensure timely access to medical services for all residents.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the inequalities prevalent in the healthcare system, where those with financial resources can bypass long waiting times while others are left to navigate a complex and overburdened public health system. It also underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure equal access to essential healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.