2025-03-09

In this Italian town, getting sick is no longer considered an option.

Wellness
In this Italian town, getting sick is no longer considered an option.
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Trending | The town's mayor subsequently explained that the 'diktat' was actually delivered "with a touch of irony." However, it remains unclear how the mayor's decree will be implemented.

 Representative image of a sick woman working from home  Photograph: (Pexels: Kaboompics.com)

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Illustrative image of an unwell woman telecommuting. Photo credit: (Pexels: Kaboompics.com)

A quaint Italian village is making waves globally following an extraordinary decree from its mayor: ‘Sickness is prohibited’. Mayor Antonio Torchia of Belcastro, located in the southern Calabria region, has recently put forth a ‘diktat’ urging locals “to refrain from falling ill in any way that necessitates medical attention, particularly in emergencies.”

The mayor subsequently explained that the 'diktat' was actually delivered “with a touch of irony.” His intention was to draw attention to the inadequate access to fundamental healthcare services in the town, aiming to critique the higher authorities.

“This goes beyond mere provocation; the ordinance serves as a desperate appeal for assistance, aiming to highlight a situation that cannot be tolerated,” Torchia expressed in a statement to the local press.

The mayor pointed out that in a town with a population of 1,300, approximately 700 residents are elderly. He noted that there is only one health facility, which frequently remains closed. He emphasized that medical professionals are typically unavailable in the town during most weekends and holidays. Furthermore, Torchia mentioned that the closest emergency medical center is located at least 45 kilometers away in Catanzaro.

The method of enforcement for the decree issued by the mayor remained uncertain.

"The mayor addressed local media, saying, 'Experience a week in our quaint village and see if you can feel secure when the only option in a health crisis is to reach Catanzaro swiftly. Give it a try and let us know if you think this scenario is acceptable.'"

(With contributions from various agencies)

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