A new health orientation center has been opened in the northeastern port city of Trieste to support migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and residents in accessing healthcare services. The initiative was launched by Médecins Sans Frontières in partnership with Donk Humanitarian Medicine to reduce barriers to treatment and improve access to Italy’s public health system.
The center aims to help people navigate the national health service in Italy, offering guidance on how to register for healthcare, book specialist appointments, and obtain necessary documents. It also strengthens existing services already provided locally, including psychological support and night reception for migrants who need medical assistance.
This facility is the eighth of its kind opened by MSF under its Health, Orientation, Promotion, Education (HOPE) project, which already operates in cities such as Turin, Palermo, Udine, Rome, Naples, Milan, and Bari. Since 2021, thousands of migrants have used the programme to access essential services, including help with healthcare registration and administrative procedures.
According to project coordinators, many people arriving in Trieste after travelling along the Balkan route face significant difficulties, including language barriers and complex administrative requirements. The new center is designed to provide practical support so that accessing treatment does not become another challenge after a difficult journey.
The service is run by trained volunteers, including students, workers, retirees, and community members who have completed specialised training to assist visitors. Cultural mediators are also involved to help bridge communication gaps and ensure people receive clear guidance.
What support does the center offer? Visitors can receive help applying for health cards, renewing documentation, understanding available services, and getting referrals to hospitals or clinics. Volunteers may also accompany individuals to appointments when needed, ensuring continuity of care.
Organisers say the initiative is intended to reduce inequalities in healthcare access and provide a welcoming space where people can receive assistance without fear or administrative obstacles. The center is free to access and open at scheduled times during the week, reflecting a broader effort to improve support for vulnerable communities.