A colonoscopy? In May 2028. Before, the regional health service had no room. Here is the date announced by the kind employees of the single regional booking center of Sardinia to a woman who needed to have a visit, regularly prescribed: you have to wait three and a half years. Or rather, a little more.
"In the meantime I can also die," jokes - but not too much - the aspiring patient. Who, if he wants and if he has the economic means, can turn to a private practice or rely on intramoenia: just pay. Even if in the second case the same doctor who would have met by paying only the ticket would perform the test. But out of hours, therefore with a higher price.
The chronicle of the long waits on the list for those who want to be treated in Sardinia is supported by a video: the various booking attempts made this morning, November 5, were filmed.
The phone rings. First answer. The operator doesn't hear. The line goes dead. A minute later, another attempt: the Cup detects the first data, then "ma'am, I can't hear you." And down again.
At the third call ("sorry, we have a problem with the lines, if it goes down please call back") we get to the conclusion: personal details, referral number, request to perform a colonoscopy " in the Cagliari area", which would be quite convenient. Answer: "Madam, there is availability only in May 2028". But there is a possibility: "We can extend the search to the whole of Sardinia". A proposal that is approved by the patient.
A few seconds of waiting, the operator consults the system. Nothing: "For all of Sardinia, madam, there is always space only in Cagliari. In May 2028".
What is a colonoscopy for? Among other functions, it is a key tool in screening for colon cancer. If done early, it can prevent death. In three and a half years, anything can happen.