In a small village in Italy, Belcastro, a rather surprising event occurred. This village forbade its citizens from falling seriously ill. This policy certainly raised many questions and controversies. Why would a village have to issue such a ban? Let's explore further.
Background of Belcastro Village
Belcastro is a small village located in the Calabria region of Italy. The village has around 1,300 inhabitants and is known as one of the poorest areas in Italy. The region is also known for its very poor health infrastructure. Since 2009, 19 hospitals have been closed in the region. This makes access to health services very limited.
Controversial Policy
In early January 2025, Antonio Torchia, the mayor of Belcastro, issued a decree prohibiting his citizens from falling seriously ill. In the decree, citizens were ordered to "avoid illnesses that require emergency medical assistance." In addition, citizens were advised not to engage in risky activities and to avoid domestic accidents.
The Reason Behind the Policy
Although it sounds like an authoritarian policy, Antonio Torchia explained that this is a "cry for help". He hopes that this policy can attract the attention of the government and related parties to immediately take action to improve the health system in his village. According to him, this is not just a provocation, but a way to highlight an unacceptable situation.
Health Conditions in Belcastro
The health situation in Belcastro is indeed very worrying. With a population that is mostly elderly, the need for health services is very high. However, the village only has one doctor on rotating duty and there are no emergency services available on weekends or holidays. The distance to the nearest hospital is more than 45 kilometers.
Policy Impact
This policy certainly caused a lot of reactions from various parties. Many considered this policy as a joke, but not a few saw it as a serious step to draw attention to the existing problem. International media also began to cover this policy, so that the health problem in Belcastro became the world's spotlight.
Expectations and Further Actions
Antonio Torchia hopes that this policy can raise political and health awareness, so that necessary measures can be taken immediately to improve the existing situation. He also stated that if no improvements are made, he will take the matter to the Public Prosecutor's Office to file a formal complaint.
Conclusion
The policy issued by the village of Belcastro may sound strange and unusual, but it is a reflection of the very concerning health conditions in the area. With very limited health infrastructure and a population that is mostly elderly, the need for improvement in the health system is very urgent. Hopefully, with this policy, the necessary attention and action can be taken immediately to improve the situation in Belcastro.
