Naples Grapples with Flu Emergency: Overwhelmed ERs and Critical GP Shortage
Naples, January 10 – The Order of Surgeons and Dentists of Naples and its province has issued a stark warning regarding the critical healthcare situation in the metropolitan area. Emergency rooms are reportedly at breaking point due to a significant increase in influenza-related pneumonia cases and urgent medical requests, exacerbated by a severe shortage of general practitioners (GPs).
Dr. Bruno Zuccarelli, president of the Order, stated, “For weeks, we have witnessed an overload of emergency rooms, a direct consequence of the flu wave and, at the same time, a shortage of general practitioners in the area. Today, in the province of Naples, approximately 150,000 citizens are without their family doctor. It is evident that in this situation, many patients, even for conditions manageable at the territorial level, are forced to turn to hospitals.”
Delayed GP Assignments Worsen Crisis
Zuccarelli emphasized that the root of the problem lies in the “delays accumulated in the assignment of general medicine vacancies, which are only now being defined.” As per regulations, and as reported to President Zuccarelli by the organizational component of general medicine-Scotti, Schiavo, Iovane, and Sparano-assigned doctors can only begin service within three months. In the interim, the burden falls heavily on the already active professionals.
“General medicine,” Zuccarelli added, “is trying, in silence and with a great sense of responsibility, to withstand the impact of this wave of requests. But it is essential that the responsible offices complete the assignments of vacancies as soon as possible, so that new colleagues can enter the service of citizens and strengthen the ranks of a territorial network indispensable for the proper functioning of the healthcare system.”
Political Calls for Immediate Action
Michela Rostan, regional councilor for the Lega party and a member of the Council’s Presidency Office, commented on the situation: “Hospitals are under siege and healthcare personnel are under pressure due to the flu peak in our region. This situation was easily predictable, given the chronic shortage of general practitioners. In the province of Naples alone, as highlighted by the Neapolitan Order, over 150,000 people are left without a family doctor.”
Rostan urged for swift action: “It is necessary for the ASLs (Local Health Authorities) to quickly complete the procedures to allow new doctors to enter service and strengthen a territorial network essential for the correct functioning of the healthcare system. This emergency,” Rostan concluded, echoing the sentiments of the new governor Fico, “once again demonstrates the need to invest seriously in territorial healthcare, in strengthening basic medicine, and in integration with tools such as telemedicine, to reduce inappropriate access to emergency rooms and ensure timely and appropriate care for citizens. We will press the majority to intervene immediately. The protection of health cannot wait.”
Impact on Hospitals and Previous Warnings
The crisis is evident across Naples’ hospitals. Previous reports indicated a 25% increase in admissions at Cardarelli Hospital due to severe flu and viral pneumonia. The Santobono pediatric hospital reported that 80% of emergency room admissions were for flu-like symptoms. These figures underscore the strain on the healthcare system and the urgency of addressing the GP shortage.
The current flu season has seen a boom in severe flu and pneumonia cases, affecting even younger individuals with very high fevers. While health officials have stated there is no general alarm, the sustained pressure on emergency services and the lack of primary care access for a significant portion of the population present a serious challenge.
Long-term Solutions and Environmental Factors
Beyond the immediate crisis, there are calls for long-term solutions. The integration of telemedicine and a stronger focus on preventative care at the community level are seen as crucial to alleviate the burden on hospitals. Additionally, environmental factors may be playing a role in public health. ISDE Doctors for the Environment previously noted that Naples holds the national record for air pollution in 2025, a factor that could contribute to respiratory illnesses and exacerbate flu symptoms.
The ongoing situation highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen primary care and ensure that all citizens have access to a family doctor, thereby reducing preventable hospital visits and ensuring a more resilient healthcare system for Naples.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_10/emergenza-influenza-a-napoli-allarme-dell-ordine-dei-medici-pronto-soccorso-in-ginocchio-e-carenza-di-medici-di-base-075c8f1d-af27-4db6-b51e-062c1c196xlk.shtml
