Pietro Vignali, the ex-mayor of Parma and president of Forza Italia in the Emilia-Romagna region, has voiced serious concerns about the failing healthcare system he is attempting to reform as a council member. As a patient who needed an ophthalmology visit and a colonoscopy, he was unable to book these essential services due to a lack of availability. Vignali argues that the healthcare system in Emilia-Romagna is far from the model it claims to be, citing severely inadequate waiting times for patients seeking care.

Furthermore, Vignali accuses the regional government of manipulating healthcare data that is reported to the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci. He claims that the region has implemented illegal practices like creating 'pre-lists' and 'closed lists' that obscure the actual waiting times. This creates a false narrative of efficiency, akin to measuring train punctuality only by those that depart on time, ignoring those left behind in the queue. Such practices undermine public trust in the healthcare system and raise concerns about transparency and accountability.

Alongside 22 other citizens from Parma, Vignali has filed a formal complaint against the healthcare system. This collective action highlights the urgent need for reform and indicates that many residents share his frustrations regarding access to healthcare services. The outcome of this complaint could have significant implications for the management of healthcare in the region, pushing for necessary changes to improve patient access and transparency in the future.