Abruzzo healthcare reform sparks debate over 118 emergency services

A political dispute has emerged in the Abruzzo region regarding the reorganization of the 118 emergency medical service. Francesco Taglieri, leader of the Movimento 5 Stelle group, has criticized the regional government for reducing the number of ambulances with doctors on board. Taglieri claims that medicalized stations have dropped from 39 in 2023 to 15 in the new model, specifically noting significant decreases in the provinces of L'Aquila, Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo. He expressed concerns regarding the safety and training of nurses who may face increased responsibilities without sufficient support.

In response, Abruzzo Health Councilor Nicoletta Verì defended the reform, stating that the total number of emergency stations has actually increased from 76 in 2023 to 111. Verì explained that the reorganization was a technical decision made by the Abruzzo Regional Emergency Committee (Crea) to address a chronic shortage of emergency physicians.

The new model focuses on strengthening nursing stations, which have increased from 15 to 48, and integrating them with new monitoring technologies and rapid-response medical vehicles. Verì emphasized that the changes aim to optimize resources and ensure efficient service in remote and disadvantaged areas where medical recruitment has consistently failed.