Councillor Faraoni responds to the M5S: "The patient's identity is unknown, clarity is needed"

The controversy over Sicilian healthcare flares up again after the complaint by M5S deputy Carlo Gilistro, who raised the case of a Syracusan cancer patient forced to wait 454 days for a colonoscopy at Umberto I. This incident has sparked an immediate back-and-forth between institutions and opposition, reigniting the spotlight on the actual state of waiting lists on the Island.

The regional health assessor, Daniela Faraoni, rejected the criticisms, emphasizing the commitment of the companies: "It is evident the effort to implement activities and meet the needs of citizens, even in the face of sometimes inappropriate demand." The assessor added that the Asp of Syracuse has made progress, but seems to raise doubts about the transparency of the complaint: "It is necessary to delve into the clinical pathway, the identity of which is unknown. I am convinced that in this case, as has already happened in the past in Syracuse, the pathway taken by the patient can be clarified."

In stark contrast are the words of Nuccio Di Paola, M5S coordinator, who attacked the political management: "We are tired of the chatter and promises of the Schifani government, which have so far proven to be misguided. In January 2024, the president grandly announced the elimination of waiting lists, only to later contradict himself and threaten the managers. The subsequent measures have not been successful in the wards."

The Asp of Syracuse responded by recalling the "Protection Path" that can be activated through the Urp. "If the first availability communicated by the Cup exceeds the terms indicated in the commitment — the company explains — the Asp finds alternative solutions to ensure the service is provided within the correct time frame, at no cost to the patient." For cancer patients, the company reiterates the importance of the "Oncology Reception Center" (CAO), established in September 2025 to break down bureaucratic barriers. "The CAO has a dedicated line — the note concludes — through which patients are taken care of by specialized operators, ensuring that the service is provided within clinical timelines." The political game remains open, awaiting concrete answers beyond procedures.