Healthcare System Strained: Noviglio Faces Urgent Doctor Shortage Leaving Thousands Vulnerable
Noviglio, Italy – A growing healthcare crisis is unfolding in the Visconti District (encompassing multiple municipalities near Milan), leaving over 3,000 residents without access to a primary care physician. The situation, described as “alarming” by local officials, is particularly acute as winter approaches, raising fears for the health and well-being of a largely elderly and often isolated population. This breaking news story highlights a wider trend of GP shortages impacting healthcare access across Italy, and demands immediate attention.
The Growing Gap in Care
The crisis stems from a series of recent retirements, including the untimely passing of Dr. Farina and, most recently, Dr. Bulgheroni, the last general practitioner serving Noviglio’s main and most populous district. Dr. Bulgheroni’s retirement at the end of September 2025 left approximately 1,300 patients without a healthcare reference point. Adding to the urgency, the average age of residents in the Visconti District is over 65, with many living alone and lacking the support needed to navigate temporary clinic options.
Simone Tirelli, a concerned resident, voiced the anxieties of many, noting the impending winter season and the increased risk of viral infections among the most vulnerable. “The arrival of the winter season, with the usual viral infections that will significantly affect the most fragile population,” Tirelli stated, underscoring the immediate danger posed by the lack of consistent medical care.
Local Officials Demand Action – A System Under Pressure
Municipal councilors from Scelta Civica have formally requested urgent intervention from the councilor for health and the mayor. Giusy Ambrosio, Nadia Verduci, Alessandro Galiero, and Michele Gordinene acknowledge the national and regional scope of the GP crisis but insist the Municipality must play an active role in advocating for its citizens. They criticize the current reliance on temporary clinics as inadequate, emphasizing the need for a dedicated general practitioner within Noviglio itself to ensure continuity of care.
“The citizens of Noviglio have the right to a general practitioner present in the hamlet, who can guarantee continuity,” the councilors stated in their official query. They are pushing for the Municipality to act as a liaison between residents and regional healthcare authorities – Asst, Ats, and the Lombardy Region – demanding official answers and transparent communication.
Beyond Noviglio: A Regional Trend
The challenges in Noviglio are not isolated. Lacchiarella is facing a similar predicament, with at least 1,500 people left without a GP following a recent retirement, as reported by M5S regional councilor Nicola Di Marco. This points to a systemic issue impacting healthcare access throughout the Lombardy region and beyond. Italy, like many European nations, is grappling with an aging population and a declining number of GPs, creating a perfect storm for healthcare access challenges.
Evergreen Context: The European GP Crisis – The shortage of general practitioners is a growing concern across Europe. Factors contributing to this crisis include an aging workforce, burnout among existing GPs, and a lack of young doctors choosing to specialize in primary care. Many countries are exploring innovative solutions, such as increased funding for GP training programs, improved working conditions, and the integration of technology to enhance access to care. Telemedicine, while offering a partial solution, cannot fully replace the vital role of a local, trusted GP, particularly for elderly and vulnerable patients.
The situation in Noviglio serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of healthcare systems and the critical importance of proactive planning to ensure equitable access to care for all citizens. The demand for clear communication and decisive action from local and regional authorities is growing, and the health of thousands hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide. Explore our Healthcare News section for more insights and updates.
