Campania maternity ward closure protests

The planned decommissioning of the maternity ward at the Immacolata hospital in Sapri has triggered significant opposition from local officials, unions, and healthcare professionals. Critics, including the Order of Nursing Professions of Salerno and the FP CGIL union, argue that the decision ignores the geographical challenges of the Cilento and Gulf of Policastro regions, where long distances to major hospitals in Salerno pose risks during obstetric emergencies.

In response to the growing tension, Campania Region President Roberto Fico met with mayors from several territories, including Piedimonte Matese, Sessa Aurunca, Sarno, and Sapri, to discuss the future of various maternity wards. While the meeting provided a possibility for potential agreements to prevent closures, no definitive decisions or concrete measures have been established. The regional government has reserved further study on the reorganization of services.

In the Golfo di Policastro area, local leaders continue to demand urgent intervention. Luciano De Geronimo, president of a local struggle committee, has threatened a general strike if concrete answers regarding the Sapri facility are not provided.