High operating costs and insufficient regional funding: the Croce Bianca in Olbia is at risk of closure.

The Olbia public assistance association, Croce Bianca, has halved the coverage shifts of the 118 service. The historic volunteer group of the Gallura city (over 70 members, all certifications obtained, 1700 interventions in 2025, four ambulances) has communicated to Areus that it is no longer able to guarantee operations from 4pm to 8am and for a few days has been covering the time slot from 4pm to midnight .

The Croce Bianca of Olbia clearly speaks of a risk of closure in the medium term , due to the increase in management costs of the service and the failure to adjust the hourly rate paid by Areus (22 euros), totally insufficient (according to the group's managers) for the standards required by the 118 agreement. The Croce Bianca has sent an initial note to Areus, without receiving any concrete response.

The leaders of the Olbia volunteer association discuss using the set-aside funds to maintain the organization. The White Cross has seen its commitment increase , from 1,117 interventions in 2020 to 1,618 in 2024. Patient transport increased by 83 percent in 2024. The leaders write: " It is inconceivable that Olbia's leading ambulance association would close its doors after 45 years of activity; it would be a failure for everyone ."