Healthcare challenges on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast region is experiencing significant healthcare challenges characterized by medical staffing shortages and the emergence of community-led solutions.

In Castiglione di Ravello, the Costa d’Amalfi Hospital is facing a critical crisis in its emergency department. The number of ward doctors has decreased from 12 to 4 due to unreplaced retirements, forcing the health authority to recall retired physicians as a temporary measure. This shortage has led to specialists performing multiple roles and the suspension of the resuscitation doctor position for a decade.

In response to local shortages in hospitals and medical specialists, the community of Praiano launched ‘Praiano Salute’. This volunteer-driven initiative, organized by the Municipality of Praiano and the Italian Red Cross, provides free multi-specialty medical services. The program utilizes a team of approximately 30 professionals to deliver services in fields such as cardiology, gynecology, and neurosurgery, while also focusing on cancer screening campaigns.