"Madam, the budget is exhausted : your visit is cancelled, we'll talk about it again in February." The tone was more gentle, but this is the meaning of the phone call received yesterday by Lidia Cossu, a 78-year-old from Cagliari.

In August he had booked an orthopedic visit at a specialized center that works in agreement with the regional health system: one of those that, subsidized by the public, with their services contribute to reducing waiting lists. Given the biblical times, it is evident that it is only a patch on a gigantic chasm of the public. But without the private ones it would be worse.

On August 28, the elderly woman had scheduled the first access for an orthopedic and rheumatological visit through the Cup: the ailments of age were making themselves felt and it was necessary. First available place: in a private center, for October 28, 2024. Two months: a long time, but not too long.

The date was approaching and yesterday the polite call arrived: the funds made available by the Region to pay for specialist services in agreement have run out, it was explained to Mrs. Cossu, so the visits are postponed to next year, when there will be a new budget: for her the availability will be February 24th. And she is forced to wait. Or pay. "And if I wanted to do it completely privately?", she asked. Answer: "In that case the availability is immediate."

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