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[HEALTH] · Italy · 5 sources

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Part of situation: Calabria healthcare expansions and operational challenges (15 clusters)

Calabria healthcare faces critical dialysis shortages and systemic service gaps

healthcare crisis dialysis shortage Calabria health services medical accessibility public health emergency

The healthcare system in Calabria is facing significant challenges, particularly regarding dialysis services and general medical accessibility. In the Reggio Calabria area, the suspension of treatments at the San Giorgio Center in Pellaro has created a critical shortage of dialysis stations. Local representatives and families have warned that this situation is a matter of life or death for dozens of patients, who may be forced into exhausting overnight shifts to receive essential therapy.

Political leaders and local organizations, including the PCUP, have criticized the closure of the Polo Sud health facility in Reggio Calabria, noting that the lack of an alternative location leaves vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and unemployed, without accessible public care. This follows long-standing requests from health authorities to expand the nephrodialysis network.

Broader regional data highlights systemic issues in Calabria’s healthcare. According to monitoring by GIMBE and AGENAS, the region ranks last among Italian provinces in certain health performance metrics, specifically struggling with district assistance and prevention. Additionally, patients at the Ciaccio hospital in Catanzaro have reported significant bureaucratic delays and long waiting times for oncology and hematology services, impacting the dignity and well-being of those undergoing treatment.

Entities

Calabria · Fintred · Francesco Puntillo · Grande Ospedale Metropolitano · Reggio Calabria · Roberto Occhiuto · Salvatore Costarella

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The PCUP has requested that the Asp identify an alternative location to ensure continuity of services following the Polo Sud closure. www.strettoweb.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Calabria ranks last among Italian regions in healthcare performance with a total score of 189 based on GIMBE, Istat, and AGENAS data. lanovitaonline.it
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Calabria's hospital care score of 71 exceeds the scores of Campania, Sardinia, and Molise. lanovitaonline.it
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2018, the Asp of Reggio Calabria identified a need for 29 additional dialysis stations. calabria.live
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The dialysis crisis in the Reggio Calabria metropolitan area is a long-standing issue known to regional authorities. calabria.live
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Calabria is the only Italian region that fails to reach the sufficiency threshold for territorial healthcare assistance. lanovitaonline.it
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] In February 2025, the Asp of Reggio Calabria and the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano requested 38 additional dialysis places from the Region. calabria.live
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The closure of the Polo Sud healthcare facility in via Padova has created a void in medical services in southern Reggio Calabria. www.strettoweb.com

Sources

Emergenza dialisi, Falcomatà: «Crisi nota da anni. Regione e Asp individuino responsabilità» [calabria.live]
Sanità | Occhiuto, quale Calabria straordinaria? [lanovitaonline.it]
File e attese per i pazienti oncologici ed ematologici al 'Ciaccio' di Catanzaro', lettera al presidente Occhiuto [www.calabrianews.it]
Dializzati Reggio Calabria, soluzione al Gom [www.ntacalabria.it]
Reggio Calabria, chiusura del Polo Sud: il PCUP denuncia gravi disagi e chiede una sede alternativa [www.strettoweb.com]