The Udu, Union of University Students and the Adi, Association of Doctoral Students and Research Doctors in Italy, express "deep concern about the significant increase in the lump sum contribution required from international students and researchers for registration in the National Health Service (NHS), as established from the 2024 Budget Law".
This increase, which represents an increase of up to 370%, "imposes an excessive financial burden on these categories, already burdened by precariousness and economic poverty, compromising the right to study and access to fundamental health services".
A student or a young researcher, in fact, now finds himself paying an annual contribution of 700 euros which, however, easily becomes 1400 euros for an academic year that begins in October and ends in September.
The reference period remains, in fact, that of the calendar year.
"The current situation not only discriminates against international students and researchers, limiting their right to study and research autonomy on the basis of geographical origin, but also discourages collaboration between countries. Cultural and scientific progress has always been based on the sharing of knowledge, and such increased costs could discourage the participation of non-Italian students and researchers in the free circulation of ideas", say the students and researchers.
In response, the UDU and the ADI sent a letter to the Minister of University and Research, AnnaMaria Bernini, and to the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, asking for an immediate review of the current provisions, "aiming at the restoration of previous costs and to the evaluation of policies for free healthcare, so that all students, regardless of their origin, can have equal access to higher education and healthcare services. We need solutions that promote equality, internationalisation, the right to study and the exchange of knowledge in the academic context Italian".
Udu and Adi say they are waiting for a quick response from the ministers and will urge the parliamentary groups to present questions and motions on the topic.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA