Target: Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health for Italy
Goal: Bolster efforts to address physician shortage and healthcare funding shortfalls.
Italy became a global flashpoint during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, recording one of the highest infection rates in the world. The medical emergencies compounded an already-brewing crisis within the nation’s faltering healthcare system. Italy still suffers from a shortage of physicians in the tens of thousands. Legislation that has slashed doctors’ salaries and implemented other cuts in healthcare funding has only worsened the problem.
One region struggling with the challenges of staffing shortfalls crafted a novel solution. They recruited physicians from Argentina: a country that shares a strong lineage and heritage with Italy. The influx of medical professionals helped ease the burden placed on underserved communities. Unfortunately, guidelines that allowed these doctors to stay in the country and practice will soon expire.
Advocates are calling for a lifting of these restrictions and an expansion nationwide of the initiative that has helped boost healthcare access for countless Italians. Sign the petition below to support these life-affirming calls for reform.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Schillaci,
In its unity, Italy became an inspiring example to the rest of the world during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the crisis may have abated, the tremendous stressors on Italy’s healthcare system remained. Physician shortages and funding cuts are still leaving too many communities without the medical assistance they so desperately need.
If the Mussomeli Initiative that has enabled the invaluable presence of Argentinian physicians is allowed to expire, this town will once again be put into crisis mode. If, however, this initiative was strengthened and expanded to other areas of Italy, then countless more citizens could reap the benefits. Please support this initiative and help restore robust healthcare funding that will ensure the well-being of all Italians.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Anna Shvets
179 Signatures