Sardinia faces shortage of 450,000 family doctors

Sardinia is facing a severe crisis in territorial medicine, with approximately 450,000 citizens currently without a family doctor. The Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care (SIMG) highlighted this issue, noting that the region has the highest shortage of family physicians in Italy.

Several factors exacerbate the situation, including the island's geography, low population density in internal areas, and seasonal pressure from tourism. In some locations, a single doctor must cover multiple municipalities to reach the required number of patients, creating significant organizational and care difficulties. The Oristano area is reported to be among the most affected.

In response to the shortage, the regional government has launched a call for over 500 general practitioners. Additionally, SIMG officials noted that reforms intended to establish community clinics and hospitals have not yet effectively implemented their core contents. The SIMG will hold a regional congress in Cagliari on October 16 and 17 to discuss these critical issues and propose solutions to institutions.