Why did this Italian town ban its residents from falling sick?

The mayor of Belcastro, a small town in Calabria, Italy, has issued a bizarre order banning its residents from getting sick. The residents have been ordered to avoid contracting any serious illness that might require medical assistance, especially in an emergency. Funnily enough, the order also advised the residents not to leave their house too often, not to practise sports or travel and to rest for the majority of the time! The mayor has issued an unusual decree to draw attention to the inadequate health care system and a severe shortage of doctors in the town with a population of 1,300 people. While half of its residents are aged 65 and above, the village's nearest accident and emergency facility is approximately 45 kilometres away.

Moreover, they can drive to the facility only at a speed limit of 30 km. The only on-call doctor in the area is also available sporadically and doesn't work during the weekends, wee hours or other public holidays. As per reports, political mismanagement over the years and interference of certain mafia elements marred the region's healthcare system. The region is one of the poorest in Italy.

Proclamation not a first
Interestingly, Calabria had been in the news earlier, too, for such strange proclamations. Those who are willing to migrate to the serene countryside of Calabria are offered an impressive reward of Rs 26.5 lakh. However, this amount will be transferred to the residents in three instalments. The residents could also use this reward as a one-time or instalment payment. This reward is offered only to those who are below 40 years of age and should be willing to move to Calabria within 90 days after the application has been approved.

Besides, they should also start a business in the sectors recommended by the authorities, catering to the demands of the residents. Meanwhile, they could also start businesses independently in their preferred areas. Calabria, known as the ‘toe’ of the Italian peninsula, stands out for its scintillating coast. There are also a few mountains and valleys. Despite the beautiful landscape and other facilities, the town's population has been plummeting to alarming levels. So, the authorities have launched this scheme to attract settlers to this small town.