Written by Alex Stambaugh and Barbie Latza Nadeau for CNN.
Rome (CNN) — The mayor of a small town in southern Italy has issued an unusual proclamation: “Getting sick is prohibited.”
In a decree issued by Mayor Antonio Torchia, residents of Belcastro, located in the southern Calabria region, have been instructed to refrain from falling ill in any way that necessitates medical intervention, particularly in emergencies.
Torchia told local television that while “we take (the decree) with a bit of irony,” it is intended to highlight the town’s inadequate access to healthcare.
According to the mayor, Belcastro, a small town with a population of approximately 1,300—half of whom are senior citizens—struggles with a health center that frequently remains closed. Additionally, there are no on-call doctors available during weekends, holidays, or after regular working hours.
The mayor expressed the need to "implement an urgent and non-delayed precautionary measure" due to the shutdown of local healthcare facilities and the distance to the nearest emergency room, which is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) away in Catanzaro.
“This is not just a provocation, the ordinance is a cry for help, a way to shine a spotlight on an unacceptable situation,” Torchia told local news outlet Corriere della Calabria.
In his announcement, the mayor urged residents to refrain from “engaging in activities that could pose risks and to steer clear of household accidents,” and to “limit outings, avoid traveling or participating in sports, and prioritize rest for most of the day.”
It remains uncertain whether the ordinance will be enforced, and if so, how it will be implemented.
The mayor stated that the directive was intended to encourage regional authorities and health officials to tackle the problems at hand. According to the mayor, the ordinance will remain in force until the town’s public health center operates on a regular schedule.
CNN has contacted the Ministry of Health.
“Spend a week in our quaint village and experience the uncertainty of knowing that in a health crisis, your only chance is to reach Catanzaro swiftly,” he stated during an interview with local reporters. “Give it a try and then let me know if you find this situation acceptable.”
The Calabria region, known for its low population density, ranks among the least affluent areas in Italy. It faces challenges such as desertification and a significant outflow of its youth, as many young individuals leave rural areas in search of opportunities in urban centers.
Over 75% of Calabria towns – roughly 320 – currently had fewer than 5,000 residents in 2021, sparking fears that some communities could die out completely without regeneration. Some towns have even started offering to pay people to live there in an effort to reverse their population decline.
The mayor of Belcastro is aware that numerous towns are encountering comparable challenges regarding access to healthcare.
“I am a drop in the ocean,” Torchia told local broadcaster LaC News24. “The province of Catanzaro has 80 municipalities, and I believe that most of them suffer from the same problems.”
