Addressing Challenges and Building for the Future in Sardinia
President Alessandra Todde addressed persistent criticisms of the region, acknowledging a deeply ingrained narrative portraying Sardinia as a place where “everything is bad” and “nothing works.” She emphasized that even data cited against her administration predates recent progress, and reiterated her commitment to clarity and realistic expectations. Todde stated she never promised quick fixes,but rather openly campaigned on the need for sustained effort and sacrifice to overcome years of neglect.
She expressed empathy for the frustrations of Sardinian citizens, notably regarding wait times for essential medical procedures like MRIs and CT scans, and voiced her anger at the necessity for residents to seek healthcare elsewhere. While recognizing the appeal of blame, Todde stressed her responsibility to focus on governance and the well-being of Sardinians, a commitment she reinforces through regular interactions with citizens in everyday settings.
Todde then detailed accomplishments within her first 17 months in office, framing them not as a denial of existing problems, but as evidence of progress.
Key achievements highlighted include:
* Healthcare: Re-establishment of crucial departments at key hospitals – orthopedics in Iglesias and surgical senology in Nuoro. Formation of a regional oncological network with standardized protocols and access to innovative therapies, mirroring those available in leading Italian centers. Initiation of a Sardinian tumor registry and centralized procurement/distribution of medical supplies.
* Telemedicine & Chronic Care: completion of telemedicine and telendiagnosis implementation, positioning Sardinia as a leader in this field. Launch of territorial care programs for chronic conditions, beginning with diabetes, followed by heart disease and bronchopneumopathies. Progress towards establishing a children’s hospital with potential for national recognition and IRCCS status.
* Research & Reorganization: Revitalization of translational research laboratories, including a project to sequence the Sardinian population’s genome at the Pula Park. Approval of a reorganization law to streamline operations, approve company plans, and refocus efforts on local territories. Sardinia is one of six regions (along with Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Bolzano, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna) that have adjusted tariffs to reflect market levels for new essential healthcare services (LEA), unlike regions in central-southern Italy.
* financial Stability: resolution of long-standing blocked accounts from 2022 and approval of budgets for 2024-2026.
* Gender Violence Support: implementation of new guidelines for anti-violence centers, streamlining accreditation, increasing funding access, and expanding psychological and legal support for women.
Todde concluded by acknowledging that significant challenges remain, but affirmed a clear direction for improvement in Sardinian healthcare. She emphasized that progress is being made through dedicated effort and concrete actions,not empty promises,and expressed confidence that through continued work,courage,and trust,the region can deliver the services its citizens deserve.
