Italian health agencies confront emergency staffing shortage and appointment probe

The health authority in Oristano, Sardinia, extended its recruitment deadline to find a foreign‑trained doctor for emergency departments after contracts with temporary "gettonisti" physicians end. Only one candidate, Dr. Leon Martina, was deemed suitable, with a six‑month contract at €60 per hour.

In Calabria, the public prosecutor in Cosenza has seized documents to examine the appointment procedures for senior positions at the provincial health agency (Asp). The investigation follows a whistle‑blower report alleging irregularities in the selection of unit directors and department heads. No arrests have been made; the probe remains in a fact‑finding stage.

Both cases highlight ongoing challenges in Italy’s public health system regarding staff recruitment, transparency, and compliance with legal norms.