The final approval by the Chamber of Deputies marks a significant step in the fight against violence against health and social-health professionals. With 144 votes in favor and 92 abstentions, the new measure introduces severe measures to address assaults and damage in healthcare settings.
The law provides for mandatory arrest in flagrante delicto for crimes of personal injury committed against professionals in the sector, together with the possibility of deferred arrest in flagrante delicto in certain circumstances. These measures are necessary considering the increase in violent episodes, especially in emergency departments, where the climate of insecurity has reached worrying levels.
Recent statistics highlight a growing incidence of assaults in the healthcare context, with a direct impact on the quality of services offered and the well-being of the professionals involved. In addition, the measure introduces a procedure for direct summons to trial for the crime of damage, with the aim of ensuring a rapid and adequate response to such acts.
Despite its approval, the measure has drawn criticism from the opposition. Representatives of parties such as Azione and M5S have expressed skepticism about the real effectiveness of the new rules, stressing that the more severe penalties are not accompanied by adequate funding to support healthcare facilities. Anaao Assomed national secretary Pierino Di Silverio welcomed the introduction of deferred flagrant arrest. However, he warned that these measures alone will not be enough to stop the attacks.
Di Silverio stressed the importance of re-establishing a healthy relationship between doctors and patients and the need to invest in human and material resources to ensure universal and free care.
The new regulations represent a significant step forward in protecting healthcare professionals. However, the real challenge remains to ensure a safe environment through targeted investments in healthcare facilities and improved interpersonal relationships. On November 20, many representatives of the sector will gather in Rome to ask for further reforms that can guarantee dignity and safety to health professionals. Only with an integrated approach will it be possible to successfully address the current challenges of the Italian health system.
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