Army to protect medical staff in Calabria hospitals after attacks

The Italian army is set to begin guarding medical staff at a hospital in Calabria starting Monday, following a series of violent incidents against healthcare workers across the country. The decision comes after a particularly alarming attack at the Policlinico hospital in Foggia, where a mob of around 50 individuals assaulted staff members after a patient’s death during surgery. This incident highlighted the growing trend of aggression towards medical personnel, prompting calls for military intervention to ensure their safety. In 2023 alone, there have been over 16,000 reported cases of physical and verbal assaults against doctors and nurses in Italy. The Nursing Up union has expressed that the current levels of aggression are unprecedented in the last decade, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures. The situation has been exacerbated by systemic issues such as understaffing and long waiting times, which have fueled patient frustration. The Italian Federation of Medical-Scientific Societies has suggested implementing stricter penalties for those who attack healthcare workers, including a three-year suspension of access to free medical care for offenders. The healthcare system in Italy is already under strain, with a significant shortage of medical professionals and many hospitals closing in recent years, further complicating the situation. The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified these challenges, leading to many healthcare workers leaving Italy for better opportunities abroad. As a result, the country is currently facing a deficit of approximately 30,000 doctors, which has raised concerns about the future of healthcare services and the safety of those who provide them.