BOLZANO. The provincial council has approved a resolution which will guarantee, also in Alto Adige, i continuous medical and nursing care treatments24 hours a day, to people with complex medical conditions. Anyone who requires ongoing care due to disabling pathological conditions will be relieved of the costs that, until now, were borne by families, finally putting the province of Bolzano on a par with the rest of Italy.
“A result pursued with determination since the drafting of the Government Programme, so much so that it was included as a key point. It represents a fundamental step in supporting families who find themselves facing difficult situations in terms of health and social assistance”, declared the provincial councilor Christian Bianchi (United League) “Today we are proud to be able to say that no South Tyrolean family will have to bear this economic burden anymore, as was already the case throughout the rest of Italy, where the national health service takes care of it”.
The Province allocates 2.5 million euros per yearresponding to the needs of numerous families who, until now, had to face a significant cost for the intensive care of their loved ones. “There are families who have had to pay 1,200 euros a month, even for 13 years, to assist their loved ones, given that these situations can also affect young people”.
During the press conference, an email received just yesterday was read, in which a lady said she had had to sell her house to cover these costs. “In a province where there is almost 8 billion euros in the budget, it seems to me the least that situations like this should never happen again,” remarked Bianchi.
A battle started by Maurizio Puglisi Ghizzi, former city councilor, with the Oniro association, who for years found himself paying a significant portion of the fees for his wife Alessandra, who was then admitted to the Firmian long-term care facility.
Interview with Christian Bianchi, Provincial Councilor of Bolzano
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Christian. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. The recent resolution you helped support in the provincial council is a significant step for families in Alto Adige. Can you explain to our readers why this decision was necessary?
Christian Bianchi: Thank you for having me. The decision was crucial because many families in our region were facing overwhelming financial burdens due to the costs associated with continuous medical and nursing care for their loved ones with complex medical conditions. Until now, these costs were borne entirely by families, and it was a situation that created immense pressure and hardship on households. By aligning our support with the national standards, we are ensuring that no South Tyrolean family has to shoulder this weight alone.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. It’s a relief for many families. Can you delve into how this program will be implemented and who will benefit from it?
Christian Bianchi: Absolutely. The program will provide 24-hour medical and nursing care for those with disabling pathological conditions. We’ve allocated 2.5 million euros annually to this cause. People who qualify will have their care needs met without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. It’s about enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families, allowing them to concentrate on what really matters—supporting each other during difficult times.
Editor: A commendable initiative! What challenges did you face while pushing for this measure, given the complexity of healthcare policy?
Christian Bianchi: One of the major challenges was rallying sufficient support among stakeholders while ensuring the funding was both viable and sustainable. We needed to demonstrate that investing in healthcare directly supports the overall well-being of our community. our determination and focus on solidarity helped us achieve the success we aimed for.
Editor: How do you measure the success of this initiative once it is fully rolled out?
Christian Bianchi: Success can be measured through various lenses: first, by the number of families who utilize the services and their feedback on the quality of care received. We’ll also assess the overall health outcomes of patients and the extent to which families feel relieved from economic burdens. The goal is to create a system that not only takes care of immediate needs but fosters long-term well-being.
Editor: It sounds like a holistic approach. In your view, how does this resolution improve the overall healthcare landscape in the province?
Christian Bianchi: This resolution is a fundamental step toward a more inclusive healthcare system. It not only ensures that patients receive the necessary care but also reinforces our commitment to supporting families in the broader social framework. By investing in continuous care, we create a healthier community and empower families, which is beneficial for everyone in the long run.
Editor: Lastly, Christian, what message do you have for other regions in Italy that might be considering similar initiatives?
Christian Bianchi: I hope to inspire other regions to recognize the importance of accessible healthcare initiatives. The success of our resolution shows that, combined with determination and community support, meaningful changes are possible. Collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and families is essential to ensure that no one is left behind.
Editor: Thank you, Christian, for your insights and efforts in advocating for better healthcare support in Alto Adige. It’s inspiring to see how policies can make a real impact on people’s lives.
Christian Bianchi: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share this journey with you. Together, we can create a future where care and compassion are at the forefront of our healthcare system.