Health Minister Orazio Schillaci stated on Thursday that only 1% of healthcare workers participated in a 24-hour healthcare strike held the previous day.
Unions called the healthcare strike to protest the government’s 2025 budget bill.
“The Department of Public Function’s website shows a minimal participation rate, just over 1%, for yesterday’s strike called by some unions,” Schillaci said. He added that this figure aligns with a similar strike held last year, which saw around 3% participation.
Speaking at the 2024 Healthcare Summit hosted by Sole 24 Ore, Schillaci mentioned that amendments are under review by the Lower House’s budget commission. These include potential tax exemptions and increased allowances for national healthcare system staff.
However, unions representing doctors and nurses claimed widespread participation in the strike. The Anaao Assomed, Cimo-Fesmed, and Nursing Up unions reported up to 85% involvement in certain areas, arguing that the budget fails to allocate sufficient resources for pay raises and healthcare funding.
The unions also highlighted concerns over staffing shortages and the absence of measures to enhance security in hospitals following a series of assaults on healthcare workers.
Attack on nurse and security in Naples
An attack on a nurse and a security guard on Thursday emphasised the issues over staff safety. A patient under the influence of drugs and alcohol in the ER of the Betania Evangelical Hospital in Naples attacked the hospital staff. According to hospital director Vincenzo Bottino, this incident is part of a troubling pattern, with 15 attacks on staff reported at the facility since the start of 2024.
“We are in a state of war—enough,” Bottino said, adding, “The lives of our workers and the safety of patients are at risk. We cannot allow hospitals to become theatres of violence.”
