Fentanyl theft sparks security outcry in Italy’s hospitals

Italy's government said on Friday 80 vials of fentanyl had ​been stolen from a hospital ‌in Rome and denounced the "irresponsible conduct" of those tasked with ensuring the security ​of the synthetic opioid.

The vials ​stolen from Rome's Israelite Hospital were ⁠enough to prepare up to 20,000 ​doses for illicit consumption, a government ​statement said, without detailing when the theft took place.

Government Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano chaired an ​emergency meeting on Friday over the ​issue at the government headquarters.

Police units specialising in ‌healthcare-related ⁠offences have been tasked with the investigations. The Health Ministry has ordered an inspection of the hospital ​to determine ​any responsibilities.

In ⁠2024, the government presented a plan to fight the ​abuse of fentanyl, which is ​blamed ⁠for tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year around the world, ⁠though ​there is no ​emergency in Italy over the spread of the substance.

-Reuters