Lombardy approves law granting primary care to homeless residents

The Lombardy regional council unanimously approved a law that allows people without a stable residence to enroll with a family doctor and receive primary health care. Opera Cardinal Ferrari welcomed the measure, urging that simple, accessible procedures be put in place quickly. President Luciano Gualzetti said the law is “a signal of great civility and attention toward the most vulnerable,” emphasizing that health should not depend on housing status.

The organization’s medical point‑of‑care, run by volunteer doctors, currently offers two‑weekly visits to those lacking official residence or documents. According to coordinator Carmelo Petralia, many homeless individuals have previously relied on emergency services because they could not choose a regular GP. The new law aims to replace that emergency‑only approach with continuous primary‑care access, leveraging collaboration between institutions, health services and third‑sector entities.