Debate Over Law 31 and Healthcare in Alto Mantovano
Discussion on Law 31 and Healthcare in Alto Mantovano
A intense debate took place between regional councilors Enzo Lucchini and Antonio Viotto on Friday evening during the meeting on the topic: ’What healthcare in Alto Mantovano?’, organized by the Ellisse Association in the Bachelet hall and moderated by Bruno Cavallarin.
Both councilors were asked to evaluate the implementation of Law 31. Lucchini stated that the initial results are positive.
Enacted throughout Lombardy, except in Lodi, Pavia, and Sondrio, this law essentially aims at three objectives. The first is to promote citizens’ freedom of choice through the accreditation institute, which grants the Region the authority to define and oversee standards that services provided by public and private entities must meet.
Reducing waiting lists, as evidenced by data, indicating that the regional health service provides prompt and effective responses; achieving budget balance. This goal has not been met, but according to Lucchini, the responsibility lies with the national health fund, as it only covers half of the regions’ needs.
Criticisms and Opinions on Law 31
Viotto responded that, instead, there are issues with the application of Law 31. Regarding the justifications put forward by Lucchini for the failure to balance the budget, Viotto cited data from Sole 24 Ore, which shows that, compared to other regions where spending is decreasing, in Lombardy, the growth of healthcare expenditure is part of an increasing trend.
Therefore, it is necessary to revise the control mechanisms in hospital companies, to ask why no Local Health Authorities (Aziende Sanitarie Locali – ASL) purchase services outside their reference hospital, and to question why 43% of Mantuan residents choose to seek treatment outside the province. Viotto also criticized the lack of a strategic plan presented ten months after Colombo’s appointment and its postponement until after the elections.
From the audience, Luca Placidi stated that the situation in Alto Mantovano does not align with Lucchini’s presentation, nor does it respect the spirit of Law 31, which aims to strengthen peripheral healthcare facilities.