Family doctors remain a key pillar in managing the flu and respiratory virus surge affecting Naples and the entire Campania region. "Family doctors are making hundreds of outpatient and home visits to care for vulnerable patients during this critical phase," said Giovanni Senese , Campania Regional Secretary of the SMI (Italian Doctors' Union).
Despite administrative delays due to the introduction of the new National Nomenclature codes for prescriptions, general practitioners are working up to 12 hours a day. Their efforts have been instrumental in reducing visits to the region's emergency rooms, already strained by organizational challenges at some Local Health Authorities (ASL). "These challenges cannot be entirely borne by our profession," emphasizes Senese.
Making the situation even more complex is the growing number of patients without a general practitioner. Many of them, during the evening hours, turn to emergency medical services (formerly Guardie Mediche) for treatment. This additional pressure highlights the need for structural interventions.
The SMI's requests include: encouraging young doctors to choose the profession of general practitioner, which is essential to the local healthcare system; and strengthening the number of emergency medical services to improve care delivery and relieve pressure on emergency rooms in Campania's hospitals. "The combination of outpatient clinics and continuity of care facilities can ensure widespread and efficient care, preventing overcrowding in hospitals," concludes Senese.
It is interesting to see how family doctors do a lot to help patients. But there are also many problems, such as the lack of doctors and long working hours. We need to find better solutions for everyone.