An Italian parliamentary committee has approved an amendment allowing doctors struck off the medical register for non-criminal pandemic-related conduct, including refusal to vaccinate against Covid-19, to apply for reinstatement within 60 days of the law taking effect. The measure, introduced by Fratelli d'Italia lawmaker Alice Buonguerrieri, adds a new article to the healthcare professions delegation bill and amends a 1950 presidential decree governing professional registers. Reinstatement is conditional on a pending appeal before the central commission for healthcare professions, and no compensation will be granted for the period of disbarment.
The move drew sharp condemnation. Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of Orders of Physicians, called it an affront to Covid victims and the 383 doctors and dentists who died during the pandemic. Opposition parties spanning the centre-left to the liberals vowed to fight the measure, labelling it an unprecedented disgrace and a dangerous precedent.