Italy: Rising cost of living impacts disabled citizens and healthcare transport

Rising costs of living and fuel prices are placing significant financial strain on vulnerable populations in Italy, particularly individuals with disabilities and those relying on healthcare transport services.

The Italian Disability Movement Association (M.I.D.) has warned that increasing costs for diesel, food, utilities, medications, and hygiene products are forcing families to make difficult sacrifices. For those with disabilities, rising fuel costs directly impact the ability to access essential services such as medical appointments, physiotherapy, and employment, potentially limiting rights to health and social participation.

In Lombardy, the rising cost of fuel is also affecting public assistance and medical transport sectors. Stefano Ravasenghi, president of Anpas Lombardia, noted that while emergency and urgent services are currently maintaining operations—partly due to the support of volunteers—the economic burden on non-emergency medical transport remains a concern for social services and peripheral communities.