In Italy, healthcare workers are facing a crisis of violence from patients and their families, prompting calls from medical unions for drastic measures. Doctors’ and nurses’ unions have urged the government to consider deploying the army in hospitals to address the escalating attacks.
The situation has sparked nationwide outrage following recent incidents where healthcare professionals were physically assaulted. A notable example occurred at the Policlinico hospital in Foggia, where a violent mob attacked staff after a young woman’s death, leading to injuries and significant distress among the healthcare team.
The violence continued shortly after, with further attacks reported at the same hospital and at the Francesco Ferrari Hospital in Casarano. In Naples, two more assaults on healthcare workers occurred within the week, exacerbating concerns about the safety of medical staff.
The frequency of these incidents highlights a troubling trend, as healthcare professionals face increasing aggression from patients and their relatives, often related to frustrations over long waiting times and perceived delays in care.
Escalating Violence Against Healthcare Workers in Italy Prompts Calls for Military Intervention
Antonio De Palma, president of the Nursing Up union, expressed alarm over the unprecedented rise in violence against healthcare workers, labeling it a severe and urgent issue. He has called on the Italian Minister of the Interior to consider military intervention to protect staff.
The National Federation of Orders for Nursing Professions has also condemned these attacks and demanded stronger protective measures to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare workers.
In response to the crisis, Loreto Gesualdo of the Italian Federation of Medical-Scientific Societies has proposed legislation to suspend free medical care for those who assault healthcare workers or damage facilities.
This measure aims to deter such violence, which has been alarmingly high, with over 16,000 reported verbal and physical attacks in 2023 alone. The situation is compounded by past incidents, such as the murder of a doctor in Milan by a disgruntled patient, reflecting the severe consequences of the ongoing issue.
The root of the problem includes a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, exacerbated by low salaries, high stress, and challenging working conditions. The Covid pandemic intensified these issues, leading to an exodus of medical staff and contributing to the overall crisis in Italy’s healthcare system.
With around 30,000 doctor shortages reported in 2023 and numerous hospital and emergency room closures over the past decade, the strain on remaining staff is immense, leading to calls for systemic changes to address the root causes of the violence and improve working conditions.
