Lestizza: Motion on GP shortage approved unanimously

A major victory for the minority group Insieme per Lestizza, which vigorously promoted the convening of an extraordinary City Council meeting, held on June 26, 2025, to address the severe shortage of general practitioners in the municipality. The proposal was also welcomed with a sense of responsibility by the majority, which unanimously approved the motion presented by the minority.

Given the closure of Dr. Pagliano's practice and the presence of only one GP in the municipality (which has approximately 3,500 inhabitants), starting with numerous reports of hardship from residents—particularly the elderly, chronically ill, and families with children—Insieme per Lestizza has strongly called for an institutional dialogue on the issue, emphasizing the urgency of guaranteeing a fundamental constitutional right: access to primary care.

"We wanted to bring to the Council's attention a real, concrete problem that is deeply felt by all citizens," declared the promoting council group. "Our goal was, and is, to develop solutions, not controversy. The majority's favorable vote demonstrates that, on vital issues like public health, we can and must work together."

The approved text requires the Mayor and the City Council to: urgently initiate discussions with the Mediofriuli District ASUFC and the Region to reinstate a permanent medical facility; evaluate forms of municipal support to encourage the arrival of new general practitioners, including through the use of municipal spaces or other logistical facilities; and inform and engage citizens on developments, promoting participation and transparency.

Subsequently, the ASUFC Medio Friuli district identified a temporary solution, opening a clinic in the municipality to serve patients without a GP exclusively for the current month.

The minority council group's initiative demonstrates how local politics, regardless of political affiliation, can still serve the people, and its unanimous approval signals the need to intervene for the benefit of citizens.