As the Catholic Church's Jubilee approaches, Rome is preparing to welcome millions of pilgrims. Among the organizational measures already in place to ensure healthcare and safety, the introduction of the harmonized European number 116117 stands out. This service is essential for providing non-urgent medical support and information on low-intensity care services.
A New Number for Healthcare: 116117
Starting December 9, the number 116117 is active throughout Rome and its province. Designed for anyone in need of non-urgent medical assistance, the service provides useful information on:
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Dialysis centers
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Medical guard services and tourist medical guard
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Other local healthcare services
The number is being promoted through brochures distributed to visitors and has already seen success: over 7,000 appropriate calls were handled in the first few days of operation. A regional working group is monitoring the effectiveness of the service, in close collaboration with the Jubilee's commissarial structure.
Cardioprotection for the Jubilee
Another pillar of the healthcare organization is the cardioprotection project, which includes:
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The installation of 350 defibrillators across the city, with 200 assigned to police forces, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza, and local police, including mobile units.
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A first aid training program, covering Basic Life Support resuscitation techniques and the timely use of defibrillators.
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A remote maintenance and monitoring system to ensure the efficiency of the devices.
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An awareness campaign to educate citizens, tourists, and pilgrims on the importance of cardioprotection.
Extraordinary Measures: A Necessary Response
Despite the progress, questions remain about how the healthcare system will handle the massive influx of visitors and some unresolved issues:
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Healthcare Staff: Will temporary hires be needed to meet the increased demand?
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Physical Facilities: Are mobile or temporary healthcare stations planned to manage non-resident pilgrims, such as those needing prescriptions for life-saving medications?
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Overwhelmed Emergency Rooms: How will an already struggling system, with burnt-out staff, be supported?
Open Challenges
The healthcare organization for the Jubilee balances innovation and the need for extraordinary measures. The 116117 number and the cardioprotection project represent significant steps forward, but the overall picture requires further interventions to ensure comprehensive, inclusive, and timely care. The Jubilee is not only a logistical challenge but also an opportunity to renew and strengthen the healthcare system, enabling it to respond not only to this extraordinary event but also to the everyday needs of a city like Rome, the beating heart of the Catholic world.
