Vetralla healthcare practitioner shortage

The town of Vetralla has faced a shortage of general practitioners due to retirements and resignations. The opposition group Vetralla Unita declared a health emergency, claiming thousands of citizens risk losing access to essential services like prescriptions and chronic condition management. They noted the area has been designated a “deficient zone” by the Lazio Region for several years.

Mayor Sandrino Aquilani initially dismissed these claims as political propaganda, stating that a new practitioner was scheduled to begin service in October. However, during an open city council meeting, the Mayor acknowledged systemic difficulties in the healthcare sector, including increased bureaucratic burdens on medical professionals. While the Mayor stated that no patients are currently without a doctor, the Democratic Party (Pd) criticized proposed solutions, such as the use of locum doctors, as temporary fixes that fail to address root causes.

Political tensions have escalated as the Si-Avs group demanded the withdrawal of Lazio Region decree 610/26, adopted by Governor Rocca. Si-Avs argues the decree creates structural issues by imposing work organization requirements that are incompatible with optimal practice. The group also criticized proposals to increase the maximum number of patients per physician from 1,500 to 1,800, contending such measures will lead to rushed and less attentive care. Si-Avs has called on Mayor Aquilani and Councilor Zelli to advocate for the repeal of the decree to prevent further deterioration of medical services. Concerns remain regarding the potential impact on elderly and vulnerable residents after December 1.