«The process for Calabria’s exit from the health commissionerate has been started and, compatibly with the technical times, the procedure will be concluded, I hope quickly». The Minister of Health said so Orazio Schillacispeaking to journalists in Catanzaro. «We have confirmed the president Roberto Occhiuto as commissioner. Calabria has made important steps forward in healthcare in recent years, as evidenced by the improvement in essential levels of care compared to other regions.”
From the Calabria dossier, the minister broadened his gaze to the national framework: «Healthcare has returned to the center of the political debate, as demonstrated by the 7 billion allocated in the latest budget law on the National Health Fund, but above all the clear vision on how to improve the service». The pillars indicated by Schillaci they are three: «The valorisation of operators, with new hires and economic improvements; prevention, because if we want a national health service based on equality, universalism and free of charge we must reduce the number of sick people; and organizational innovation to bring services closer to citizens.”
The minister then recalled interventions on historical critical issues: «Waiting lists, emergency rooms and mental health are priorities. For the first time after 13 years, the National Mental Health Plan has been approved, to which almost 90 million euros are allocated.” Resources which, added to the Pnrr funds, “will strengthen a national health service which is a point of pride, envied abroad, but which after almost fifty years needs modernisation”.
As for the relationship with the territories, Schillaci he underlined «the continuous contact with the governors and with those involved in healthcare in the regions. There is teamwork taking place on the waiting lists: the government has its responsibilities, but the use of resources is the responsibility of the Regions. We respect their work and do not enter into the decisions of those who know the area best.”