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PhrasesRequesting Hotel ServicesHo bisogno di un medico.
A2formal

Ho bisogno di un medico.

I need a doctor.

Pronunciation

ME-di-co — three syllables, stress on the first.

When to use it

Tell reception immediately if you need medical assistance. Italian hotels have contacts with local doctors who make house calls.

What it means

'Ho bisogno di' + noun = I need. 'Un medico' = a doctor. This is an urgent phrase. Italian hotels, particularly 4-star and above, have contacts with 'medici di guardia' (duty doctors) who will come to the hotel. For emergencies, say 'È un'emergenza' (it is an emergency).

Variations

Ho bisogno di un medico. Mi sento male.

I need a doctor. I feel unwell.

Add 'mi sento male' to convey urgency

Dov'è il pronto soccorso più vicino?

Where is the nearest emergency room?

For urgent cases requiring hospital treatment

Ho bisogno di farmaci urgenti. Dov'è la farmacia di turno?

I need urgent medication. Where is the duty pharmacy?

Italian duty pharmacies are open 24/7 on rotation

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di un medico. Ho dolori forti al petto. — Chiamo subito il 118! Rimanga seduto. È un'emergenza? — Non lo so. Ho anche difficoltà a respirare. — Chiamo l'ambulanza adesso. Non si alzi.

— I need a doctor. I have strong chest pains. — I will call 118 immediately! Remain seated. Is it an emergency? — I do not know. I also have difficulty breathing. — I am calling the ambulance now. Do not stand up.

Cultural Note

Italian emergency services: 118 = ambulance, 113 = police, 115 = fire, 112 = European emergency number (connects to all). Italian hotel staff are trained in first response protocols. For non-emergency medical needs, a 'guardia medica' (duty doctor) can be called to the hotel and typically arrives within 30–60 minutes.