Volla - "A young life broken not only by illness, but by institutional indifference." These are harsh words from Marì Muscarà, independent councilor of the Campania Region, who break the silence on the tragic death of Rita Cefariello, a girl from Volla affected by spinal muscular atrophy.
A story that shakes consciences, because Rita was not only a victim of her serious clinical condition, but also of a bureaucratic system that abandoned her.
The drama unfolds in the Territorial Area N24, which brings together the Municipalities of Volla, Cercola, Pollena Trocchia and Massa di Somma. Here, the funds from the Non-Self-Sufficiency Fund (FNA), intended for the most severely disabled, have been blocked for years, trapped in a tangle of administrative delays and buck-passing between local authorities and the Campania Region. “Since 2020, beneficiaries have been waiting for checks that are rightfully theirs – he reports Muscarà – while the bureaucracy is lost in financial turmoil and buck-passing.”
The latest allocation, equal to 263.031,93 euros, decided on January 27, 2025, has not changed the reality for many: some have been waiting for over three years for essential resources for survival. Rita herself, last November 22, had taken part in a sit-in under the headquarters of the Campania Region to cry out against this inertia. A protest that cost her dearly: struck by pneumonia during her battle, she was killed by a arrest cardiac.
“Whoever caused these delays must answer to the citizens and to justice – thunders Muscarà – because you cannot die of bureaucracy, waiting for funds allocated but never arrived.” The councilor points the finger at inefficient management: in three years, over 3 million euros have been spent on administrative costs, while those who need daily assistance are left empty-handed.
Now Muscarà directly calls the Campania Region into question, demanding immediate answers. Three requests to the Council: clarifications on the funds still blocked, an extraordinary plan to pay the arrears to the very seriously disabled and an in-depth investigation into how the transfers were managed and who hindered their disbursement.
“Apologies are no longer enough,” concludes the councilor, “justice is needed for Rita and for all the families left alone in this shameful wait.” An appeal that resonates as a warning: bureaucracy cannot continue to be an accomplice to other tragedies.
Article published on 22 February 2025 - 10:01
The situation described in the article is very worrying and makes us reflect on the bureaucratic system that does not work. It is unacceptable that funds for the most severely disabled have been blocked for years, while people like Rita suffer and die. There needs to be more transparency and responsibility from the institutions to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.