ROME – Strikes across Italian hospitals on Friday over an apparent lack of funding for public health will cause thousands of operations to be postponed, medical sources report.

 Between 80 and 90 percent of Italy’s public medical staff have joined together in a 24-hour strike to petition the government for more funds for the public healthcare sector, which is “on the verge of collapse,” according to the medical unions. Additionally, the renewal of the collective employment contract, which hasn’t been updated for 10 years, is being demanded.

 Health Minister Giulia Grillo assured those striking that “there are enough resources in the budget to honour the pledges made for the 2019-21 contract renewals.” The mobilisation of the vast majority of the public heath sector would, however, suggest that medical professionals do not have faith in Grillo’s promises. “You have to go back years and years to find the same adhesion,” general secretary of the trade union ‘Anaao Assomed’ Carlo Palermo was quoted as saying on Friday, in reaction to the extremely high turnout for the strikes.

 Though thousands of operations will not be completed on Friday, essential services in all hospitals will still be provided, in accordance with the law.

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