Given the delicate situation facing healthcare in the town, the association “Aps Stilo and surroundings” has decided to collect public signatures by placing the gazebo in the central Piazza Carnovale. Numerous supporters and thanks to Gigi Stillitano, president of the association, for the initiative with which it is hoped that some steps can be taken to bring a general practitioner to Stilo, given that, after the retirement of doctors Speziale and Manno, it remained without.
«Citizens – explains Stillitano – are not asking to circumvent the rules, but that they be respected and applied. The failure to declare the deficient areas is the responsibility of the health district, which has not yet started the procedure to announce the filling of vacant positions. The collection of signatures therefore serves to urge the authorities to officially recognize the shortage and launch the tender to fill the missing places. It is clear that signatures alone do not solve the problem, but they represent a democratic and legitimate way to make citizens’ voices heard in the face of institutional inertia that risks leaving the community without an essential service. The healthcare system, although regulated by rules and procedures, should never forget its primary purpose: to guarantee assistance to people. If these rules are not respected in a timely manner, it is right for the community to mobilize.”
What measures can the community take to ensure that their concerns about healthcare are heard and addressed by local authorities?
Thank you for joining us today, Gigi. Can you please tell us more about the situation of healthcare in Stilo and why you decided to take this initiative of collecting signatures for the town?
Gigi Stillitano: Certainly. As stated in the article, healthcare in Stilo is facing a delicate situation due to the recent retirement of two general practitioners. This has left the town without access to essential medical services, which is a significant concern for the community. We felt that the best course of action was to mobilize the community and raise awareness about this issue through a democratic process like collecting signatures. Our aim is not only to express the urgent need for a general practitioner but also to urge the health district to fill the vacant positions as soon as possible.
That’s very interesting. Can you elaborate on the importance of a general practitioner in a small town like Stilo?
Gigi Stillitano: In a small town like ours, a general practitioner plays a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services to the community. They are often the first point of contact for people with minor ailments or medical concerns. Their absence can lead to serious health issues going unaddressed, which is especially concerning for the elderly and those with chronic conditions. A general practitioner is not only important for the physical health of the community but also for their mental well-being, as they act as a trusted source of support and advice.
We understand that you mention the rules and procedures set by the healthcare system. Can you explain how these rules have affected the town’s situation?
Gigi Stillitano: The rules and procedures regulating the healthcare system are essential for ensuring quality care. However, in this case, we feel that the authorities have not respected these rules and failed to declare the deficient areas, making it challenging to initiate the process of filling the vacant positions. The healthcare system should never forget its primary purpose of providing assistance to people, and it is right for the community to mobilize when faced with such inertia. By collecting signatures, we hope to push the authorities to recognize the urgency of the situation and act promptly.
Moving on to the topic of community involvement, can you share your thoughts on the role of citizens in addressing
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