Rome, 3 July (LaPresse) – Following the incident involving the unauthorised removal of medicines – specifically 80 vials of fentanyl, sufficient to produce up to approximately 20,000 doses intended for illicit use – which took place at the pharmacy of the Ospedale Israelitico in Rome, Palazzo Chigi has expressed “grave concern over the irresponsible behaviour of those tasked with ensuring the security of such substances, despite the existence of strict rules governing access to and the safekeeping of these substances”. Early this afternoon, according to sources at Palazzo Chigi, the Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Alfredo Mantovano, chaired an emergency meeting at Palazzo Chigi, attended by, amongst others, the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Health, the Director of the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, the Director-General of the Lazio Region’s Health Directorate, and senior officials from the Department for Policies against Addiction at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the meeting, the same sources explain, “the need to ensure compliance with the procedures laid down for the management of high-risk medicines, in order to protect public health and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents” was reiterated. Meanwhile, it is noted, “the NAS Carabinieri have been deployed to investigate the matter, whilst the Ministry of Health has ordered an inspection to determine any liability and verify compliance with current protocols”. In the coming days, the monitoring committee on the implementation of the Anti-Fentanyl Plan will be reconvened at Palazzo Chigi, with the aim of ensuring that all parties concerned apply the necessary precautions and controls.
Drugs: serious concerns over theft of fentanyl vials; Mantovano chairs meeting
Rome, 3 July (LaPresse) – Following the incident involving the unauthorised removal of medicines – specifically 80 vials of fentanyl, sufficient to produce up to approximately 20,000 doses intended for illicit use – which took place at the pharmacy of the Ospedale Israelitico in Rome, Palazzo Chigi has expressed “grave concern over the irresponsible behaviour of those tasked with ensuring the security of such substances, despite the existence of strict rules governing access to and the safekeeping of these substances”. Early this afternoon, according to sources at Palazzo Chigi, the Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Alfredo Mantovano, chaired an emergency meeting at Palazzo Chigi, attended by, amongst others, the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Health, the Director of the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, the Director-General of the Lazio Region’s Health Directorate, and senior officials from the Department for Policies against Addiction at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the meeting, the same sources explain, “the need to ensure compliance with the procedures laid down for the management of high-risk medicines, in order to protect public health and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents” was reiterated. Meanwhile, it is noted, “the NAS Carabinieri have been deployed to investigate the matter, whilst the Ministry of Health has ordered an inspection to determine any liability and verify compliance with current protocols”. In the coming days, the monitoring committee on the implementation of the Anti-Fentanyl Plan will be reconvened at Palazzo Chigi, with the aim of ensuring that all parties concerned apply the necessary precautions and controls.
