Naples – "This is an irresponsible act, a disgrace, a case of political delinquency." This was the harsh commentary by Campania Regional President Vincenzo De Luca on the Ministry of Health's decision not to authorize Campania's exit from the healthcare deficit reduction plan.
A decision that, according to the governor, had already been premeditated: "We were talking yesterday in Rome, but it was a brick wall. They had already made up their minds."
The ministry announced its position yesterday, August 4th, citing a series of critical issues still present in the management of regional healthcare. But De Luca views the decision as unfounded and unjustifiable: "I'm not disappointed; I expected it. I'm outraged; my eyes are watering," he said today in Naples.
The president then announced his intention to appeal again to the Regional Administrative Court, as he did three years ago following a similar decision. But this time, he added, he will also pursue legal action: "I intend to file a complaint for extortion against the officials who have taken this completely unfounded position."
A frontal attack, therefore, that reignites the conflict between the Campania Region and the government over healthcare management and decision-making autonomy regarding healthcare spending.
The Ministry of Health's decision doesn't seem right, but it's important to clarify the reasons. There's a lot of criticism, but we must also consider the context in which Campania finds itself.