In Belcastro, a small town in southern Italy’s Calabria region, Mayor Antonio Torchia has issued a remarkable decree: “It is forbidden to get sick.” While this declaration may seem strange or even humorous at first glance, it carries a serious message about the city’s medical crisis.
Belcastro, a community of approximately 1,300 residents, has very limited access to health care. Many of the residents are elderly and the community relies primarily on basic health services. The main source of medical care, the town health center, is regularly closed and does not provide emergency services on weekends, holidays, or after hours. Mayor Torchia used the decree to call attention to the emergency situation, as the nearest emergency room is in the city of Catanzaro, about 45 kilometers away.
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Torchia said the “ban” was not adopted literally, but was a symbolic measure aimed at highlighting the town’s inadequate medical infrastructure. He called on local authorities to rectify the shortage in medical supplies, calling the order a “cry for help.” “This is not just a provocation,” Torchia said, “but a way to shine a spotlight on an unacceptable situation.”
The mayor’s proclamation recommends refraining from activities that may cause illness or injury, reducing travel, minimizing physical activity, and getting as much rest as possible. It is unclear how the order will be implemented, but the mayor said it will remain in effect until neighborhood health centers are up and running and meeting the needs of the community.
Belcastro’s health crisis reflects broader problems in Calabria, a region plagued by population decline and economic hardship. In 2021, more than 75% of Calabria’s towns had a population of less than 5,000 people, and many young people migrated to cities in search of better opportunities. The report adds that some towns are even more proactive and have begun offering incentives to attract new residents and counter the risk of becoming ghost towns.
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As for Belcastro’s medical problems, this is actually part of a larger pattern in rural Italy, where small towns struggle to ensure even basic services for their people. In line with this, Mayor Torchia called on those who have expressed concern to come and live in the area to understand how terrible the problem is and its true nature. “Come and live in our village for a week and rest assured knowing that if an emergency arises, your only hope is to reach Catanzaro in time,” he said.
Torchia’s unusual decree may not serve its purpose, but it also highlights the urgent need for health reform in rural Italy, particularly in Calabria. The mayor has appealed for help, but it remains unclear how the local government will respond as the town continues to face difficulties.
