NAPLES - “We must thank Saint Covid, who is giving us such an incredible opportunity.” These were the words uttered during a meeting of Campania’s representatives of the Federation of Italian Pharmacists (FOFI), by Maurizio Manna, a member of the central committee of FOFI.

  Ettore Novellino, the President of the Federation of Italian Pharmacists of Avellino, began by saying that the group should build an “altar to the virus”, given that “it’s thanks to Saint Covid that we are being taken into such consideration.”

  Manna continued, not rebuking him for these comments, but rather complimenting him on his “personal and professional sensitivity”, adding that “Saint Covid” has given pharmacists an incredible opportunity.

  This was all reported in a letter, written by Vincenzo Santagada, the President of the Federation of Italian Pharmacists of Naples, to Andrea Mandelli, the national president of FOFI, and current Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies (a member for Forza Italia). Santagada was concerned that Manna was one of the list of names supporting Mandelli in his campaign for election as President.

  Santagada wrote, “I am certain that you will be able to firmly intervene to oppose similar events and guarantee, through an unequivocal public disassociation, the prestige and credibility of pharmacists.”

  Mandelli, however, did no such thing, retaining his close relationship with Manna (who was only recently appointed to the central committee thanks to his relationship with Mandelli) and last Saturday they even arrived at the elections for the presidency together.

  Mandelli was reelected as President, and Manna kept his post on the central committee, no one mentioning Saint Covid again.

  Manna is also still the President of Credifarma, President of the Order of Pharmacists of  Benevento and Secretary of Federfarma Campania.

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