(Con)fine della salute: restituzione del lavoro di un ambulatorio popolare dai margini della città.

Abstract

The data from recent years on chronic disease mortality in Rome's V district show a significant disparity compared to the city's central neighborhoods, with a 23% increase in chronic diseases and an 80% rise in diabetes cases. The 'Ambulatorio Popolare Roma Est', an autonomous healthcare facility founded in 2022 in Quarticciolo neighborhood, is run by over 30 volunteers, including medical specialists, therapists, nutritionists and students. The clinic provides free services such as medical consultations, psychological support and nutritional advice. Its goals are to improve access to healthcare, advocate for institutional support and empower the community through health education and social determinants. In 2023, 205 medical consultations were conducted with 55 new patients, mostly aged 60-75. Many faced obstacles like long wait times in National health service, denied appointments or lack of information in access the public system. The clinic emphasizes that the growing health needs in this area are being systematically ignored, leading to further health inequities in an already socially deprived neighborhood.