Love for a community breaks down every barrier. Even that of disability, overcome by reaching out to the Barbagia health system that is struggling with a shortage of doctors, poor service at 118 stations, hospital departments and clinics in collapse. Stefano Marroccu, 56, from Cagliari, who has been an adopted Desulese for decades and a past as a medical officer in the Army, is now ready to support his “fellow villagers” patients, left without GPs and with only two Ascots a few days a week. For Marroccu, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, it is a choice of the heart, strengthened by the approval of the regional law on retired doctors, last August 8. And for which we await the publication of the ASL notices, which will allow specialists to return to service.

The commitment

"I have been coming to Desulo for decades," says the doctor, "and since my arrival I have felt welcomed by everyone, gathering fraternal friendships, who have accompanied me in the most difficult moments. MS has limited my movements, but it has certainly not slowed down my desire to help others. And I do not feel like turning my back on Desulo, especially in this difficult phase that unfortunately has also extended to a large part of the island ." A commitment that Marroccu wants to fulfill completely free of charge, supporting his Ascot colleagues, in assisting the over 1800 patients of the place: "As soon as the ASL 3 publishes the announcement, I will immediately provide my availability, then organize myself logistically. Mine is a gesture without any purpose of interest, moved only by the bond that unites me to the Desulesi."

For this reason, he clarifies that he does not want to stop: "After retiring from the public sector, I continue to work as a freelancer, between license renewals and free consultations. All this helps me overcome the obstacles of the disease, making me feel alive". But he does not fail to relaunch an appeal to the regional institutions: "I will do my best for Desulo, but it is important that the ASL and the region support me and my colleagues, providing us with pink and electronic prescription pads".

Civic sense and altruism

The specialist, active in several volunteer actions also between Cagliari and the surrounding area, says it without hesitation : «Every year - adds Marroccu - I go to Lourdes to accompany the sick together with the friends of Oftal. It is an experience that strengthens you inside and makes you understand the meaning of life. In Desulo, then, I own a small park, in the Melanu area, which I aim to make accessible to the elderly, children and frail people, in collaboration with volunteer associations throughout the area». And the mayor Gian Cristian Melis is also proud of Marroccu's choice : «His extraordinary generosity is a gift for all of us - says the mayor who promises: «We will do our best to make Stefano feel at home once again, offering him all the support possible and imaginable. His arrival will help us a lot and we will reciprocate with maximum support». For this reason, Melis' gaze remains projected on the coming weeks: «We confidently await that Asl 3 with which the dialogue is maximum, publishes the appropriate notice. Providing an essential service as soon as possible to Desulo and many other towns."

George Ignatius Onano

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