ROME – In the wake of the devastating flood that struck the region of Emilia-Romagna, the Astrea centre of Cerba Healthcare in Faenza was looted of most of its medical equipement by unknown thieves.

 Despite the material damage and loss caused by the looters, the medical center has reopened announcing it will provide free medical exams until the end of June. The people who wish to be examined can do so without the need of providing any medical documentation acquired beforehand. 

 According to the regional CEO of the medical company, Filippo Bertazzini, the center was spared by the flood but was entirely looted of all its medical equipement by thieves who took advantage of the lack of electricity and alarm systems as well as the business of the police. However, Bertazzini states that the center did not lose its heart and that new machinery was provided, including three last generation ultra-sounds, as well as cardiology and physiotherapy equipment. He also says that the main goal is to provide support to the flood victims during this difficult time.

 The center has reopened and it is offering free blood tests, laboratory tests, diagnostic imagery tests and specialist visits for all those in need. 

 In order to obtain free medical care, residents in difficulty do not need to do anything apart from booking an appointment (0546623918 – poliambulatorioastreamedical@cerbahealthcare.it) and showing up to the appointment with an Identitiy Card as well as their social security card.

 Stefano Massaro, the CEO of Cerba Healthcare in Italy, concludes by saying that: “Words of comfort and sharing are of little use, only concrete actions count and are useful in times like these […] Our Faenza structure, although victim of looting, has been luckier than the hundreds of other businesses that have been hit by water and mud. We can therefore continue to do what we do best: take care of people's health. It therefore seemed natural and necessary to share it with fellow citizens who are struggling along the path of returning to normal, guaranteeing free services to those in need."

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