Traveling 20 or 30 kilometers to carry out a medical check-up can turn into an insurmountable obstacle for those who have passed the age of old. The Calabria Region, led by Roberto Occhiuto, has introduced the Social Taxi service, a measure designed to guarantee free transport of fragile patients to hospitals and diagnostic centres. The initiative, presented during the “The Courage to Innovate” event in the presence of Tony West, senior vice president and chief legal officer of Uber, aims to combine healthcare with the direct reduction of waiting lists.
The economic infrastructure is based on the resources of the European Social Fund, converting community spending into concrete support for the territory. The intervention was born on the sidelines of a legal battle won 3 times in the Constitutional Court against the Ministry of Infrastructure, an action that opened the doors to the liberalization of the market and the issuing of new licenses for rentals with drivers.
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How booking at the Cup works and the app technology
The procedure is activated automatically when choosing the specialist service. When the user enters the dematerialized prescription in the single booking centre, the system verifies the suitability of the patient and proposes the dedicated mobility option. After confirming the address and telephone number, the return trip becomes operational at no cost to the citizen.
Trip management uses a control center integrated with the regional platform and a specific digital application. Through the Social Taxi app, the person or their family members can trace the itinerary on the map, request time changes for the return, activate immediate return at the end of the visit and show the driver their passenger code. The entire journey is punctuated by SMS notifications, telephone contacts and a dedicated assistance service that is always accessible. For those who prefer traditional channels, support can also be requested by calling the number 0961852233.
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From the first test phase to the extension for over 75s
The first test phase took place in the province of Catanzaro, focusing on cardiological visits and mammograms for citizens over 65 with an ISEE of less than 15,000 euros. The initial fleet deployed 25 dedicated NCC licenses to carry out initial monitoring of the project. The scope of the measure was subsequently expanded to intercept an even larger audience.
The extension plan sets the access criteria for all residents over 75 in the region who find availability for a healthcare service several kilometers away from their home. The driver of the private vehicle picks up the patient at home, accompanies him to the supply facility, waits for the end of the medical appointment and accompanies him back to the starting point. The objective declared by the regional council is to progressively extend the coverage of the service to the entire Calabrian perimeter.
