A 'Manifesto for the salvation of the National Health Service', sit-in on June 15 in eight Italian cities and a large national demonstration in September in Rome with the aim of bringing 100,000 people to the streets. The medical unions and 20 associations of citizens and patients are united for the first time in a mobilization launched today at a press conference in Rome.
Among the promoters of the initiative the major medical unions: Anaao Assomed, Cimo Fesmed, Aaroi-Emac, Fassid, Fp Cgil doctors, Federation of veterinary doctors, Uil Fpl. Alongside them Cittadinanzattiva and 19 patient associations, from those with rheumatic diseases to those with diabetes or oncological diseases.
"For the first time today we are all on the same side because if public health collapses, health and welfare collapse," said Pierino Di Silverio, secretary of Anaao Assomed.
Mobilization comes from afar. To motivate it, they explain, the growth of waiting lists, private spending, the renunciation of care, which goes hand in hand with the decline in investments in health compared to GDP, the flight of doctors, lack of assistance on the territory. "The right to health is at risk", due to "a process of destructuring the National Health Service that has undermined its sustainability and equity", explain in the manifesto the trade unions representing over 120,000 medical, veterinary and health managers and associations of citizens and patients. For this reason, unions and associations ask "all political forces for a clear commitment in defense of the public and universal National Health Service".
"The picture of the data - said Anna Lisa Mandorino, secretary general of Cittadinanzattiva - is dramatic, there is a risk of resignation of citizens, in this already difficult context, differentiated autonomy is a risk for equity of access to care because it will accentuate the differences in access to care".