Italian Army Deployed to Guard Hospitals Amid Surge in Attacks on Medical Staff

Violent incidents against healthcare workers in southern Italy prompt military intervention to ensure safety.

Calabria prefect Paolo Giovanni Grieco approved the deployment of the army to protect a hospital in Vibo Valentia after multiple attacks on medical staff.
Recent violence included an incident in Foggia where 50 relatives of a deceased patient assaulted hospital staff, forcing doctors and nurses to barricade themselves.
In 2023, over 16,000 cases of physical and verbal assaults on healthcare workers were reported in Italy, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The Italian Federation of Medical-Scientific Societies has proposed suspending free medical care for three years for offenders who assault healthcare workers or damage hospital property.
Understaffing, long waiting lists, and low wages are significant factors contributing to the frustration and aggression from patients and their families.