Sicily health sector faces corruption probe and Pfizer plant closure

Union representatives from Cimo‑Fesmed and Fials submitted an open letter to the prosecutor, the anti‑mafia commission, the National Anti‑Corruption Authority, the regional health minister and the regional president, accusing the ASP Agrigento health agency of ongoing political domination. They allege that senior staff have been kept in key positions despite anti‑corruption guidelines, that appointments reward political loyalty, and that the agency’s performance‑evaluation body (OIV) continues to serve local power networks.

Pfizer announced the shutdown of two production lines at its Catania plant, cutting roughly 330 jobs. Deputy Lidia Adorno (5 Stelle) called the move a “grave” threat to the region’s industrial base, urging the regional government to convene an urgent crisis table involving the company, workers’ representatives and authorities to prevent the loss of strategic pharmaceutical production and to protect the local economy.