Lombardy Region Faces Growing Healthcare Crisis as GP Shortages Deepen
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A critical shortage of general practitioners in the municipalities of Settimo Milanese, Cornaredo, Vanzago, Pogliano Milanese, and Pregnana is leaving thousands of residents without adequate access to primary care.The situation, revealed in responses from the Lombardy Region to inquiries made in June, highlights a deepening crisis within the regional healthcare system.
Only one physician accepted a placement out of 25 available positions in the affected area, opening a clinic in Settimo Milanese on September 1st.Two further vacancies remain unfilled following recent retirements, exacerbating the existing strain on healthcare resources.
Limited Access to Care & Citizen Concerns
The lack of available GPs has prompted meaningful concern among residents, particularly the elderly, who face challenges accessing a temporary medical clinic located at the Passirana di Rho hospital. Citizens have actively voiced their frustrations, organizing petitions and sending letters to local and regional authorities demanding intervention to uphold the right to healthcare.
“With my question I asked councilor Guido Bertolaso what urgent measures he intended to implement to guarantee the continuity of care we waited months and unfortunately the responses arrived late and insufficient,” stated a regional representative, echoing the concerns of constituents.
The Lombardy Region has established a temporary medical clinic at via C. D’Adda 4/G, utilizing space provided by the Municipality. Though,the facility currently offers only eight of the 18 services initially planned within the Community House framework,and crucially,lacks 24-hour physician or nursing coverage.
Regional Response Criticized as Insufficient
The response from the Lombardy Region has been met with criticism, with manny characterizing it as inadequate. A senior official lamented that the answers provided were “late and insufficient,” falling short of the “unusual measures” needed to address the growing problem.
The official further expressed disappointment with the focus on long-term solutions like digitalization and telemedicine, arguing that these promises fail to address the immediate need for accessible primary care.The situation was also raised during a recent session of the Regional Welfare Commission, where representatives from the Free Association of General Medicine (LAMG) voiced their own concerns.
Doctors Demand Systemic Changes
General practitioners themselves are calling for systemic changes to alleviate the pressures they face. Key requests include enhanced training opportunities, streamlined administrative processes, and a greater emphasis on the clinical role of family doctors.
“De-bureaucratizing the work of family doctors cannot remain a slogan.It is an urgent need that can be achieved with regional measures,
News Report – Expanded Content
Lombardy Region Grapples with Healthcare Crisis Amid GP Shortages and South American Recruitment Efforts
Milan, Italy – The Lombardy Region is facing a deepening healthcare crisis marked by a severe shortage of general practitioners (GPs), leaving thousands of residents without consistent primary care. Simultaneously, the region is actively recruiting healthcare professionals from South America, a move that highlights the desperation to fill critical gaps in its medical workforce.
Why is this happening? The crisis stems from a combination of factors, including an aging population, a wave of GP retirements, and a lack of interest among younger doctors in pursuing careers in primary care. Out of 25 available GP
