The Chamber of Deputies has definitively approved an important regulation aimed at combating violence against healthcare and social healthcare professionals, with 144 votes in favor and 92 abstentions. This decision comes in response to a worrying increase in violent episodes that threaten not only the safety of staff, but also the integrity of healthcare facilities.
The law provides for mandatory arrest in flagrante for crimes of personal injury against healthcare professionals, as well as deferred arrest in flagrante in specific circumstances. In addition, more severe measures will also be applied for damage to goods intended for healthcare.
The new provisions are a direct response to the growing violence, especially in emergency departments. This phenomenon not only endangers health workers, but also risks compromising public health assets. However, the law has attracted criticism, particularly regarding Article 3, which introduces the financial invariance clause. Several opposition parties have expressed their concerns, stressing that the punitive measures are not accompanied by adequate economic resources. Marco La Carra of the Partito Democratico said: “You are hounding the penal code and are responding only through the media to the escalation of aggression."
On the other hand, members of Fratelli d’Italia defended the measure. Daniela Dondi criticized the center-left, stating that during their government the real needs of the health system had not been addressed. She then highlighted the increase in police presence in hospitals as a necessary measure to guarantee safety. Pierino Di Silverio, National Secretary of Anaao Assomed, welcomed the introduction of deferred arrest in flagrante delicto as “an excellent deterrent”. He also stressed the importance of restoring dignity to health professionals through adequate salaries and a review of medical responsibilities. The passage of the law is only a first step towards a significant change in the health sector. Future challenges require a continuous commitment to improve the relationship between doctors and patients and ensure universal and free access to care.
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