Moscatello, an Argentinian national and distant relative of the revolutionary Che Guevara, uprooted her life from Tuscany and relocated with her family to the town of 10,000 people in early 2021.
"I was thrilled. The people were friendly and welcoming. It felt like living a dream," she said.
Moscatello's initial excitement, however, was hit hard when her son required urgent medical attention. She discovered the local hospital was struggling - the paediatric ward had just closed its doors, with the gynaecology and surgery departments following soon afterwards - and, like many medical facilities in southern Italy, it was on the verge of collapse.
Determined to stop a healthcare crisis in her new home, Moscatello embarked on a bold mission.
She contacted an old friend, who was the rector at the University of Rosario in Argentina, asking whether medical professionals in the South American country would consider starting a new life in Sicily, bringing their experience and expertise and, just maybe, saving the island's threadbare healthcare system in the process.
"In just a matter of days, we received an overwhelming 5,000 applications," said Moscatello, who now works as an ambassador for the Italian confederation of small-and medium-sized businesses.
Working with the local authorities, the field of applicants was whittled down to an initial nine candidates, but ultimately scores of Argentinian doctors responded to the call, fleeing the economic turmoil at home for a fresh start.
In their new homes they were hailed as heroes for helping to keep open medical facilities that would otherwise have been doomed.
"After the positive experience in Mussomeli, we have continued to receive hundreds of requests from other hospitals," said Moscatello.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin April 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin April 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Trump hush money case Cohen is the central figure as trial nears conclusion
Donald Trump's criminal trial is drawing to a close, with two looming questions: what will the jury decide, and how will America react?
Slovakia in crisis Shooting of prime minister shines light on polarised country
Yesterday morning, Father Tomáš stood solemnly in the small Catholic church nestled near a park along the banks of the Danube in Bratislava.
Israel calls international court of justice case an 'obscene exploitation'
Israel yesterday attacked South Africa's case against it in the international court of justice as an \"obscene exploitation\" of the genocide convention, claiming that it aimed not to protect Palestinian civilians but to defend Hamas militants.
In the line of fire Perilous evacuation from town under attack by Russians
Evacuating the last remaining residents of Vovchansk, the town at the centre of Russia's recent offensive in the Kharkiv region, becomes more dangerous with every passing day.
Toxic neoprene Is there a wetsuit that doesn't harm the planet?
Neoprene, the material used to keep swimmers and surfers toasty in the winter, is often manufactured using some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.
Terrorist who murdered elderly man as revenge for Israel-Gaza war jailed for life
A terrorist who murdered a pensioner in Hartlepool town centre as \"revenge\" for the Israel-Gaza war has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 45 years.
'Descent into parody' Unions deride £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of king
It is meant to remind Britons of the \"example set by our ultimate public servant\", but a £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of King Charles for display in public buildings is not quite going to plan.
Manchester teacher found guilty of sexual activity with two schoolboys
A teacher was found guilty yesterday of having sex with two schoolboys.
European baby names gradually gain favour in England and Wales
New entries to the list of top 100 baby names in England and Wales for 2022 suggest European names are gradually gaining favour, data from the Office for National Statistics shows.
Dangerous look: experts warn about risks of surgery to change eye colour
From butter boards to viral dances, social media has spawned a host of fads, but experts have warned against the latest trend: eye-tattooing.