"An unacceptable workplace death." This is how the National Federation of Medical Associations (FNOMCeO) described the death of Maddalena Carta, the young family doctor from Dorgali, who died Thursday at just 38 years old after continuing to care for her patients despite an illness that should have stopped her.
According to the FNOMCeO, Maddalena ignored the first signs of illness out of a sense of duty and to ensure her 1,800 patients, along with those of two other family doctors who were absent due to illness, were not cared for: a total of approximately 5,000 people, all of whom were under her care. Her condition worsened, requiring initial hospitalization at the San Francesco Hospital in Nuoro, followed by air ambulance transfer to the Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari, where she passed away on September 25.
Paying tribute to her, not only did the entire community of Dorgali pay tribute to her, but also the highest national representation of the profession. " She put the health of others before her own, and this cost her her life," said Filippo Anelli, president of the FNOMCeO (National Federation of Medical Doctors), who spoke of "the State's duty to intervene to prevent similar tragedies, caused by a system that leaves doctors alone and overburdened."
A strong condemnation, echoed by the Sardinian Association of General Practitioners, which called the day "a national day of mourning," accusing the current healthcare system of "turning doctors into work slaves, deprived of the right to sick leave, vacation, or rest." "Maddalena was not listened to out of a sense of responsibility, but this system has betrayed her," the statement reads.
Meanwhile, in Dorgali, Mayor Angela Testone has declared tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, a day of mourning . The funeral will take place at 9:00 a.m., and as a sign of respect, the Cortes Apertas (Open Courts) will be temporarily suspended. Flags at the town hall will be flown at half-mast, and all public and recreational activities will be suspended during the funeral.
