New attack on health workers in southern Italy

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 18 - A string of attacks on health workers continued on Tuesday when a doctor and several nurses at the addiction centre of a hospital in the southern town of Galatina, near Lecce, were assaulted by a 56-year-old man, sources said on Wednesday.
    The man allegedly threatened the doctor to try to get additional dose of methadone and lashed out when the physician refused.
    He also reacted violently when nurses and a security guard intervened.
    He has been put under house arrest and faces charges of violence against a public official and interruption of a public service.
    A government meeting was held on Tuesday to discuss the adoption of urgent measure to stem violent actions against healthcare workers, sources at the premier's office Palazzo Chigi said.
    The summit, chaired by the Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, was attended by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Health Minister Orazio Schillaci and Parliament Minister Luca Ciriani. (ANSA).