During the 10th summit of regions and cities held in Mons, Mr Roberto Ciambetti was invited to speak on a panel dedicated to the theme of public services. In his capacity as CoR rapporteur on the Future of the European Health Union, Mr Ciambetti focused his intervention on healthcare and how to make it more accessible across all territories.

Mr Ciambetti, who is President of the Regional Council of Veneto, started by emphasizing the important role of local and regional authorities who have "profound knowledge of the dynamics and specific needs of their communities", which enables them to pursue appropriate health care plans. 

Mr Ciambetti provided the example from his own region of telemedicine, which he described as "fundamental" in a region like Veneto with 30 percent of the territory in the mountain area and 33 percent in the hilly foothills – "it is not always easy to move quickly in these territories", he said. Cancer patients in remote areas require personalised follow-up and a monitoring system based on portable and mobile devices for real-time reporting and communication to healthcare providers. "Telemedicine allows you to address problems that may arise suddenly with patients and their families in real time and remotely, without long waits while travelling", he stated.

At the same time, the Regional Council President highlighted the necessity of having a first aid and emergency response system capable of serving large areas, adequately equipped and organised with healthcare personnel "trained to deal with all critical issues". According to Mr Ciambetti, the regions and local authorities should guarantee these personnel, and the health workers employed in these remote areas, special benefits while the central State for its part should ensure a strong tax relief on their income, in such a way as to retain a competitive healthcare workforce.