The government on Friday upped jail
time for people attacking medical staff to a maximum of five
years, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio told a press conference
illustrating a new decree approved by cabinet to address a wave
of assaults on doctors and other hospital personnel across
Italy.
For those who commit violence against staff, Nordio told
reporters, "there is an increase in the penalty to five years
and mandatory arrest in flagrante delicto, with the possibility
of deferring arrest for no more than 48 hours.
"This will (have) a strong deterrent effect.
"That those who work with great sacrifice in outpatient clinics
and emergency rooms are attacked and beaten up and essential
environments such as hospitals devastated is intolerable."
Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano said funds would be set
aside in the next budget bill to boost surveillance of
healthcare staff to prevent attacks.
"It is the government's intention to include in the next Budget
Law a provision that will have adequate financial coverage for
the installation of video surveillance systems in the healthcare
facilities most affected by these aggressions", he said.
The exact rules on video surveillance were not included in the
decree, Mantovano said, "because a discussion with the regions
and the privacy guarantor is necessary.
"From 1 January, the conditions will certainly be in place to
extend video surveillance where necessary".
photo: Nordio
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