Italy: Falling sick has been banned in this town; find out why

In the small town of Belcastro, located in southern Italy’s Calabria region, a remarkable decree has been issued by Mayor Antonio Torchia: "Getting sick is prohibited." While the proclamation may seem odd or even humorous at first glance, it carries a serious message about the town’s healthcare crisis.

Belcastro, a community of roughly 1,300 residents, has very limited access to healthcare. Many of its residents are old, and the community is mostly reliant on basic medical services. The town's health centre, which serves as the primary source of care, is regularly closed, and emergency services are not provided on weekends, holidays, or after hours. Mayor Torchia used the decree to draw attention to the urgent situation because the closest emergency room is in the city of Catanzaro, which is roughly 45 km distant.

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According to Torchia, the "prohibition" was a symbolic measure intended to highlight the town's inadequate medical infrastructure rather than being adopted literally. He called for regional authorities to remedy the inadequacies in healthcare supply, emphasising that the order was a "cry for help." According to Torchia, "this is not just a provocation," "It’s a way to shine a spotlight on an unacceptable situation."

The mayor's edict makes recommendations including abstaining from actions that can cause sickness or injury, cutting back on travel, minimising physical activity, and getting as much rest as you can. Although it is unclear how the order will be implemented, the mayor has said that it will be in effect until the neighbourhood health centre is operational and meets the needs of the community.

The health crisis in Belcastro is a reflection of broader issues in Calabria, a region plagued by population decline and economic hardship. In 2021, over 75% of Calabria’s towns had populations of fewer than 5,000, with many young people leaving for cities in search of better opportunities. Reports further add that some towns have even gone ahead and started offering incentives to lure new residents and counter the risk of becoming ghost towns.

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As regarding the healthcare issues in Belcastro, it's actually a part of a larger pattern in rural Italy, where small towns are struggling to ensure even basic services to the people. In line with this, Mayor Torchia has asked people, who have been raising concerns, to come and live in the community to understand how terrible and the nature of the problem. "Come and live a week in our village and try to feel safe knowing that in an emergency, the only hope is to get to Catanzaro in time," he stated.

Torchia's unusual decree also highlights the urgent need for healthcare reform in rural Italy, especially in Calabria, although it may not serve the purpose. The mayor has called for assistance, but it remains unclear how the local and regional administrations would react as the town continues to face difficulties.