Ruggi Hospital faces medical staff shortages and stabilization efforts

The Ruggi Hospital (Azienda Universitaria Ruggi) in Salerno is struggling with a critical shortage of medical specialists. A recent recruitment drive for radiodiagnostics specialists yielded minimal results; despite an open call for freelance and retired doctors to cover up to 38 hours per week, only five applications were received. After administrative screening and two withdrawals, the hospital successfully hired only two specialists to cover urgent shifts through December 31, at a cost of 85,000 euros.

In a separate development, the hospital has officially begun procedures to stabilize staff who have completed at least 18 months of service, in accordance with national law. This process includes personnel on fixed-term, autonomous, and flexible contracts. The FP CGIL Salerno union has noted this progress at Ruggi and is now pressuring the Salerno Local Health Authority (ASL) to implement similar stabilization measures for its own flexible and freelance workers to ensure continuity of care.