Belcastro’s Mayor, Antonio Torchia, humorously banned residents from falling ill to spotlight healthcare shortcomings in Calabria, Italy. He advised avoiding activities that could cause severe injuries and recommended rest instead.
Torchia later clarified that his proclamation was a tongue-in-cheek critique of the local healthcare crisis. Notably, half of Belcastro’s population is over 65, and the nearest hospital is 30 miles away on a road with an 18 mph speed limit.
Belcastro has an on-call doctor who is unavailable nights, weekends, or holidays. Residents needing urgent care must travel 30 miles to the hospital.
Calabria, one of Italy’s poorest regions, has closed 18 hospitals since 2009. In response, 497 doctors will be sent to the region over three years to enhance medical services.
