Terni, Italy is facing growing concerns over the declining ranking of its hospital in national assessments, while the nearby hospital in Perugia continues to rise. The disparity has sparked outrage from Terni’s mayor, Stefano Bandecchi, who alleges unfair treatment by the Umbria regional government and a bias towards the University of Perugia’s affiliated hospital. This situation, impacting healthcare access for residents of Terni, underscores broader questions about regional resource allocation and equitable healthcare distribution in Italy.
According to a recent investigation by Newsweek, Perugia’s hospital now ranks 32nd nationally, a significant jump of four positions from 2025 and over 30 positions since 2020. Conversely, Terni’s hospital has fallen to 108th place, dropping seven positions in just one year and falling out of the top 100. The mayor’s office released a statement highlighting the concerning trend in Umbria 7, expressing disbelief at the widening gap between the two hospitals.
Allegations of Regional Disparity
Mayor Bandecchi has been vocal in his criticism of the Umbria regional government, accusing it of deliberately favoring Perugia’s hospital. He points to what he describes as a disproportionate investment by the University of Perugia in its affiliated hospital, leaving Terni’s facility under-resourced. “there is a disparity of treatment by the Region of Umbria,” Bandecchi stated, as reported by the Comune di Terni website. “there is a role of the University of Perugia which invests almost exclusively on the Perugia structure.”
The accusations extend to Governor Donatella Proietti, who Bandecchi criticized for publicly praising Perugia’s hospital while remaining silent on the challenges faced by Terni’s facility. He alleges a deliberate neglect of Terni’s hospital, framing it as a consequence of the city being governed by a different political party than the regional administration. This political dimension adds another layer of complexity to the healthcare debate.
Impact on Residents and Future Development
The declining ranking of Terni’s hospital raises concerns about the quality of care available to its residents. The mayor emphasized that the citizens of Terni, who contribute significantly to the region’s tax revenue, deserve access to a modern and efficient hospital. A key point of contention is the delayed construction of a new hospital for Terni. Bandecchi stated that the regional government has failed to provide a clear timeline or funding plan for the project, leaving the future of healthcare in the city uncertain.
“Terni is tired of being taken for a ride,” Bandecchi declared. “It has been over a year since the Region has to let us know where it wants to build the new hospital and with what resources intends to finance the perform.” The lack of progress on the new hospital is fueling local frustration and intensifying calls for greater regional investment.
A Growing Divide in Healthcare Access
The situation highlights a potential two-tiered healthcare system within the Umbria region, with Perugia’s hospital perceived as a “series A” facility and Terni’s as a “series B” one. This disparity in resources and services could lead to unequal access to quality healthcare for residents depending on their location. The mayor’s office is committed to fighting against this perceived imbalance, advocating for equitable treatment and increased investment in Terni’s healthcare infrastructure.
The concerns raised by Mayor Bandecchi echo broader debates about regional healthcare disparities in Italy. Ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge, particularly in regions with varying economic conditions and political dynamics. The situation in Terni and Perugia serves as a case study for addressing these challenges and promoting a more balanced healthcare system.
As of February 26, 2026, the Umbria regional government has not publicly responded to the specific allegations made by Mayor Bandecchi. The next scheduled regional council meeting is on March 15, 2026, where this issue is expected to be raised. Residents and healthcare advocates will be closely watching for a response and a concrete plan to address the concerns regarding Terni’s hospital.
If you are affected by healthcare access issues or have concerns about the quality of care, please reach out to your local health authorities or patient advocacy groups. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and help us continue to report on this vital issue.
