The actress and director spoke at the press conference promoted by Uap, the National Union of clinics, clinics, institutions and private hospitals
“How can you say that doctors are forced to say no to an exam? How is it possible not to have visits because the facility’s budget has run out? A person’s life doesn’t have a budget, not everyone can afford to go to do the tests privately. Health must be a right for everyone, this is why we pay taxes: to treat ourselves. I wanted to be here today with Uap; with Komen Italia we have saved many lives thanks to the checks and to the prevention of cancer to the meaning. Life is precious for everyone and limiting controls is a death sentence.”
Thus the actress and director Maria Grazia Cucinotta in her speech today in Rome at the press conference promoted by Uap, the National Union of clinics, clinics, institutions and private hospitals, to raise the alarm on the repercussions for the sector with the arrival of the new tariff nomenclature.
Interview: Addressing Health Inequities with Maria Grazia Cucinotta
Editor of Time.news (E): Thank you for joining us today, Maria Grazia Cucinotta. Your recent speech at the Uap press conference captured widespread attention. Can you share your thoughts on the current healthcare challenges that have you so concerned?
Maria Grazia Cucinotta (MGC): Thank you for having me. I am deeply alarmed by the reality where doctors are compelled to say no to necessary medical exams due to budgetary constraints. Health should never be a privilege; it’s a right we all deserve. We pay taxes for this very reason—to ensure that healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
E: You mentioned the idea that a person’s life doesn’t have a budget. Can you elaborate on the implications of limiting medical tests and check-ups?
MGC: Absolutely. When healthcare facilities face budget cuts and restrict access to tests, it effectively becomes a death sentence for many patients. It leads to late diagnoses and missed opportunities for early intervention, particularly in cancer care, which we’ve supported significantly through partnerships like Komen Italia. Every life is precious, and we must prioritize preventative care to save lives.
E: Your collaboration with Komen Italia seems pivotal in the fight against cancer. How have programs like these made a difference in public health?
MGC: Initiatives like those from Komen Italia focus on education, awareness, and access to essential screenings. By advocating for early detection and preventive screenings, we’ve saved countless lives. These programs highlight the importance of proactive healthcare, and they are crucial in our fight against cancer.
E: In light of the new tariff nomenclature, what are the primary concerns for clinics and healthcare institutions?
MGC: The new tariff nomenclature threatens to further strain the finances of clinics and hospitals, leading to reductions in services. If healthcare facilities must operate within increasingly tight budgets, it could restrict access to critical examinations and treatments. This is the warning we are raising today; we cannot allow fiscal policy to dictate the quality and availability of health services.
E: What practical advice or actions can individuals take to advocate for better healthcare access in their communities?
MGC: It’s important that individuals become vocal advocates for their own health and the health of their communities. This can be done by participating in local health forums, writing to representatives, and supporting organizations that advocate for equitable healthcare. Engaging in community discussions also helps to shine a light on these pressing issues, fostering a collective push for change.
E: what message do you want our readers to take away from your speech at the Uap conference?
MGC: I want readers to understand that health is not a privilege but a fundamental right. We must unite to ensure that every person has access to the medical care they need. Let’s continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and work together to uphold the value of life—because limiting healthcare access is simply unacceptable.
E: Thank you, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, for your insights and for your tireless advocacy for health equity. Your voice is invaluable to this important conversation.
MGC: Thank you for having me; let’s keep working towards a healthier future for everyone.