Violence against health care workers in Italy sparks concern over hospital security

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Escalating violence against health care workers in Italy has triggered widespread alarm over hospital security, prompting urgent calls for stricter measures to protect medical staff.

A series of recent attacks, particularly in the southern city of Foggia, has fueled public debate and demand for government action.

In a shocking incident last week, the relatives of a young woman who died during surgery at a hospital in Foggia chased the attending doctors and nurses through the facility.

Fearing for their lives, the health care workers were forced to barricade themselves in a room.

The distressing footage of the medical staff locking themselves in for safety quickly went viral on social media, drawing heavy criticism and raising questions about the security of hospital personnel.

Further reports of assaults on health care workers in cities like Lecce and Turin have intensified scrutiny on security at Italian public hospitals.

According to local media, the surge in violence has become a critical issue, particularly in places like Foggia, where some staff members at a local clinic have resigned due to persistent attacks from patients' relatives.

The regional health director has expressed concern that continued resignations could jeopardize the ability to provide essential services to the public.

Dr. Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of the Order of Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCEO), expressed his dismay over the growing violence, calling on the government to take immediate action.

Speaking to the RAI channel, Anelli stressed the urgency of the situation.

"The violence has become endemic. We need emergency decrees to protect health care professionals," he said.

He also called for a review of hospital access protocols to prevent further attacks, suggesting that if necessary, the army could be deployed to ensure safety.

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, from the right-wing coalition government, condemned the attacks as "shameful" and called for decisive action to safeguard health care workers.

Schillaci promised that the government would not turn a blind eye to the escalating violence and pledged to work on concrete solutions.

In response to the ongoing crisis, health care workers in Foggia have organized a protest march scheduled for Sept. 16.

The demonstration, led by unions, aims to draw attention to the urgent need for improved security and highlight the challenges faced by medical professionals on the front lines.