Piedmont Health Official Defends Regional Health Plan Against Union Criticism

Piedmont's Regional Health Councilor, Federico Riboldi, has directly addressed accusations leveled by the Spi Cgil union concerning the implementation of community health centers (Case della Comunità) across the metropolitan area of Turin. The union's monitoring, conducted in July across over 40 facilities, reported significant disparities, including delays in Trofarello, a shortage of nurses, and services that remain inactive.

Riboldi responded to the union's claims with a sharp retort, suggesting that a trade union should not be the arbiter of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). He emphasized that the operational status of these health centers is verified by independent bodies mandated by the PNRR and the European Commission, not by "impressions or spot visits." He clarified that the activation of services adheres to a national schedule and involves a gradual rollout, refuting the union's characterization of "real" or "fake" centers.

Addressing the Cgil's assertion that some centers merely changed signage without integrating services, Riboldi dismissed the idea that such a superficial change could secure European funding. He described the community health centers as a "new organizational model" that progressively integrates services, staff, and care pathways. Riboldi suggested the Cgil is dedicating excessive energy to political opposition against the regional government, contrasting it with his own focus on healthcare administration. He also alluded to the perceived failure of a recent union demonstration.

Regarding the alleged lack of a staffing plan, with facilities built before personnel were assigned, Riboldi stated that healthcare staff shortages are a long-standing national issue, not a recent problem. He asserted that the region is undertaking both infrastructure development and significant recruitment efforts through hiring, competitions, and onboarding. Riboldi implied that those presenting only one side of the story are motivated by factors other than a complete understanding of the situation.

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Se bastasse cambiare un’insegna per ottenere i finanziamenti europei, credo che Bruxelles avrebbe qualche problema in più di quelli che ha oggi. Le Case della Comunità rappresentano un modello organizzativo nuovo, che si costruisce progressivamente integrando servizi, personale e percorsi di presa in carico. Mi pare che negli ultimi tempi la Cgil dedichi molte energie alla lotta politica contro il Governo e contro la Regione. È una scelta legittima. Io continuo a fare un altro mestiere: amministrare la sanità. E visto il flop dell’ultima manifestazione, probabilmente conviene pure…