Lombardy Unanimously Guarantees Universal Healthcare for the Unhoused
The Lombardy regional council has unanimously approved a legislative measure guaranteeing primary healthcare access for individuals without an official registered domicile, according to regional announcements and healthcare advocacy groups.
Opera Cardinal Ferrari, a Milan-based foundation assisting marginalized populations, welcomed the unanimous vote. Foundation President Luciano Gualzetti stated that the legislation addresses a systemic gap by ensuring an individual’s housing status or lack of administrative paperwork no longer dictates their access to essential medical care.
Dismantling Exclusion in the Medical System
Prior to the new regional law, individuals lacking a stable residential address or formal identification papers faced profound exclusion within the healthcare system, according to Carmelo Petralia, a professional educator and coordinator of the socio-educational area at Opera Cardinal Ferrari. Without a registered domicile, patients could not formally select a general practitioner, frequently forcing them to rely exclusively on hospital emergency rooms for basic health needs.
From Legal Loopholes to Direct Pathways
While advocacy organizations previously utilized legal mechanisms such as fictional residency registration through the municipality of Milan to help clients secure rights, the new law establishes a direct pathway to continuous primary care.
Opera Cardinal Ferrari has long operated a dedicated medical point coordinated by volunteer physicians twice a week. This clinical outpost serves individuals who are otherwise invisible to standard administrative structures, providing initial consultations, health orientation, and direct accompaniment to specialized care networks.
Formalizing the Role of Third-Sector Entities
The legislation formally acknowledges the critical role of third-sector entities and volunteer organizations in bridging the gap between marginalized populations and public health authorities. Under the new guidelines, structured collaborations between local socio-health agencies and nonprofit entities will streamline information campaigns, patient orientation, and healthcare navigation.
Translating Policy Into Administrative Action
Gualzetti emphasized that the immediate priority involves translating the legislative framework into straightforward, highly accessible administrative procedures. This implementation phase requires close coordination among regional institutions, local health authorities, and nonprofit service providers to guarantee that the right to health is executed effectively across Lombardy.
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