«The idea that we must carry forward and study is that of a points-based health card so that if you lead a correct and healthy lifestyle you can earn points which then allow you to receive incentives which can be different reward methods» .
This is the proposal that comes from the Lombardy Region Councilor for Welfare, Guido Bertolaso . « Screenings for what are preventable diseases today are well under 50% of people who are entitled to them - he adds - but we want to reach 100% because it means guaranteeing the health of citizens and reducing healthcare costs».
«Before joining the council in Lombardy I was in civil protection – continues Bertolaso – And it is an area in which prevention is at least as important as in healthcare . We always talk about it, but little is put into practice." And therefore the idea of a "points-based health card" to encourage cancer screenings.
« The citizen ensures that he does not have the disease and we reduce costs – explains Bertolaso in an interview with Corriere -. It's a win-win for everyone. The controversies are political rather than technical", he assures.
«The demographic trend is clear – adds Bertolaso –: the population is aging and the number of chronically ill people is increasing. We want people to live long, but also healthy. Both for their well-being and because otherwise the costs of treatment become unsustainable."
The idea therefore, as Bertolaso says, is that " if you lead a healthy lifestyle, you can earn recognition" . Today, unfortunately, some of the screenings we offer do not have the success they deserve. For example, only 41 percent of citizens took part in the colorectal cancer checks in 2023."
Therefore «to encourage virtuous behavior, rewards could be used. I'm thinking of entrances to spa centers or free ski passes. There are similar initiatives in Sweden and England, as well as supporting scientific literature."
(Unioneonline/vl)
