Falling Sick Not Allowed In This Italian Town, Mayor Explains The ‘Ban’

In a strikingly unusual move, Belcastro, a small town in Calabria, southern Italy, has officially banned being sick. This bizarre decree, issued by Mayor Antonio Torchia, aims to draw attention to the severe lack of healthcare services in the town. While the order might sound absurd, it’s rooted in the harsh realities faced by the town’s residents.

A Healthcare Emergency in Belcastro

Belcastro, a picturesque village with only around 1,300 inhabitants, is predominantly home to elderly residents. The town’s healthcare system is severely lacking, with the only health centre regularly closed. This makes it nearly impossible for residents to access medical services, especially during emergencies or outside of regular hours. The nearest available emergency facility is 45 kilometers away in Catanzaro, which is not only a long distance but also a major inconvenience.

Mayor Torchia’s drastic decree is a protest against the inadequate healthcare services in the town. He has made it clear that the “ban on being sick” is a means to draw attention to the urgent need for medical care. “We take this order as a joke, but it aims to shed light on a serious issue,” the mayor remarked.

A Call for Action

In addition to the ban, Mayor Torchia urged the citizens of Belcastro to refrain from activities that could lead to injury or illness, including traveling, playing sports, and other risky behaviours. He also emphasised that the order would remain in place until the local health centre is operational on a consistent basis.

For those skeptical about the situation, the mayor has invited them to spend a week in Belcastro to experience firsthand the difficulty of accessing healthcare in the region. He added, “By staying here, you will realise for yourself that if there is a medical emergency, reaching Catanzaro on time is the only hope.”

Declining Population and Economic Struggles

Belcastro is among the many small towns in Calabria that are struggling with depopulation. With most of the younger generations moving to urban centers for better opportunities, the population has become predominantly elderly. In fact, in 2021, over 75% of Calabria’s towns had populations under 5,000, and many are becoming ghost towns. Some municipalities are even offering financial incentives to attract new residents and prevent complete abandonment.

The economic struggles in Calabria have only exacerbated the region’s healthcare crisis. As the population ages and dwindles, the local government has found it increasingly difficult to maintain essential services, like healthcare, that are crucial for the wellbeing of its residents.

A Stark Warning for Italy’s Rural Areas

Belcastro’s drastic action is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by rural areas in Italy and across Europe. It also highlights the dire need for systemic reform in healthcare, especially in regions with aging populations. Whether the ban on being sick will bring about meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Belcastro’s plight is not an isolated case, and more must be done to ensure rural communities are not left behind.