Health inspectors probe Rome hospital after 80 fentanyl vials stolen
Inspectors from Italy's Health Ministry spent over six hours at the Israelitico hospital in Rome on Wednesday, examining drug storage and organizational procedures after the theft of 80 vials of the synthetic opioid fentanyl from a pharmacy safe.
Health Ministry inspectors spent over six hours at the Israelitico hospital in Rome on Wednesday, meeting with the medical director, general director, and staff. The inspection focused on organizational and drug storage procedures after 80 vials of fentanyl were stolen from the hospital pharmacy safe without signs of forced entry. The ministry did not confirm reports of irregularities found during the checks.
The theft was discussed at a summit at Palazzo Chigi on Tuesday, attended by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. The Rome prosecutor's office and NAS carabinieri are investigating, with concerns raised about the absence of video surveillance and multiple employees having access to the safe key. After the theft, the Health Ministry issued a circular ordering tighter controls and announced a technical panel with anesthetists and hospital pharmacists.
It is necessary to strengthen custody measures. A standardized procedure must be added to rigorously regulate the handover between operators according to shifts, to ensure continuity of custody and full traceability of responsibilities.
Drug thefts in Italy exceeded 1,490 in 2024, though the overall trend is declining.
