Italian health care wrongly maligned

I am writing this letter not as an endorsement of any candidate or specific policy but to set the record straight on something that was said Sunday, March 15, during the Democratic debate. I think that it was not only wrong, but in today's dramatic situation, unjust.

During a lively discussion about how to better provide Healthcare to the American people, Vice President Biden referred to Italy as an example of Medicare for All as a failure. I am Italian, I was born and raised in Italy, and I lived there for 36 years before moving to the U.S. with my American husband, so I can speak from direct knowledge of the Italian healthcare system.

It is excellent, nobody is ever turned away no matter if you are a citizen, an immigrant or a tourist in need of medical care. No need for a credit card. Those of you lucky enough to have visited my country might have had to experience that healthcare system. The doctor's office waiting room might not have a fancy couch nor soft music but a doctor will see you nonetheless. If you do not speak Italian, they will probably speak English or find someone to help out with that.

What is happening now with the COVID-19 emergency is unfortunately a combination of different factors that might have nothing to do with the Italian healthcare system per se. I am writing this letter for my friend Pierluigi that goes house to house as a family doctor to check on his patients so they are safe and do not have to leave home. For my friend Rosa that does the same as a pediatrician. For Emilia and Rosy that are emergency room nurses. Thank you my friends, you are heroes to me. I love you.

Silvia Corneli Pelech

Batavia