Belcastro, located in the southern Italian region of Calabria, has banned people from falling ill under a decree issued by Mayor Antonio Torchia. Although this decision may seem a bit absurd or ridiculous at first, it is intended to draw attention to the dire healthcare situation of the village.

Belcastro is a community of approximately 1,300 residents who have very limited access to health care. Half its population is 65 or older. Under the decree, citizens were advised not to leave their homes unnecessarily, avoid traveling or playing sports, and rest as much as possible. They were also urged to stay away from risky behavior which could lead to accidents.

According to Torchia, the “ban” is a symbolic measure intended to highlight the city’s inadequate medical infrastructure rather than an adopted one. “This is not just an act of provocation, it is a way of shedding light on an unacceptable situation,” Torchia said, speaking to Italian media.

“It’s hard to feel safe when you know that if you need help, your only hope is to get to the emergency room in time,” Meyer said.

The health care situation in Belcastro is getting worse. Since 2009, 18 hospitals in the area have closed, forcing residents to seek medical attention far from their homes. In 2021, more than 75% of Calabria’s 320 towns had a population of less than 5,000. Some villages have also resorted to offering monetary incentives to attract new residents.

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