Italian Healthcare Crisis: A Plea for Reform
In a letter to the director, Dr. Enzo Bozza addressed the current state of healthcare in Italy, describing it as the worst crisis in recent decades. He highlighted the lack of doctors, long waiting lists, and poor treatment in emergency rooms as symptoms of a larger, systemic problem.
Dr. Bozza pointed out that the issue is not a lack of doctors, but rather a fundamental organizational problem. He argued that the healthcare system is structurally outdated and underfunded, with 37 billion euros being diverted away from hospitals and the territory. He called for an urgent, far-sighted reform that prioritizes public health.
To address this issue, a movement has emerged, led by doctors across Italy, advocating for a fundamental restructuring of public healthcare. The focus of this movement is on transforming the general practitioner into a state employee, providing the National Health Service with a significantly better functional structure.
Dr. Bozza emphasized that this movement is politically weak and unknown to the citizens, calling for active citizen engagement to bring about change. He warned against the vested interests of a few, arguing that the entire citizenry would suffer if reforms are not implemented.
Overall, Dr. Bozza’s letter shines a light on the pressing need for reform in Italy’s healthcare system, and the urgent call to action to address these critical issues.