Grosseto province grapples with demographic decline and health system overhaul

Labor union leaders warn that the province of Grosseto in Tuscany is facing a deep demographic and economic crisis. Over the past 15 years the area has lost 5,500 residents aged 0‑14 and 11,500 workers, while the share of pension incomes now exceeds earnings in many municipalities. The shrinking workforce and rising poverty are especially affecting women and prompting out‑migration of young people.

At the same time, the region is undergoing a major reform of its health services funded by the national PNRR plan. Six community‑care hubs, three community hospitals and two territorial operation centres are being built to improve care coordination for an increasingly elderly population. Union representatives stress that these facilities must be staffed adequately, with more family doctors and nurses, to avoid reliance on emergency or temporary measures.

Both issues highlight the challenge of sustaining public services and economic vitality in a province where the over‑65 population is projected to grow by 50% by 2050 while the working‑age population falls by 18%.