Campania diabetes patients face new costs due to budget disparities

Starting November 1, diabetic patients in parts of the Campania region, specifically in the provinces of Salerno and Naples, will be required to pay approximately 19 euros for essential medical visits. These visits are necessary for renewing therapeutic plans and accessing life-saving insulin and medications.

The Campania Diabetes Association has protested the move, citing a failure by the regional government to redistribute unused funds. Approximately 850,000 euros in allocated resources remain unspent in the Caserta and Avellino health districts. The Association argues that unlocking these funds could cover over 47,000 check-ups at no cost to patients.

Regional data shows significant spending disparities: patients in Caserta and Avellino receive an average annual per capita expenditure of 240 euros, while those in Salerno and Naples receive less than 100 euros. The total regional budget for diabetes is set at 12.85 million euros, which represents only 2% of the budget for outpatient specialist services, despite the condition affecting roughly 500,000 people in the region.