Naples: "Enough with social media trials of doctors, this only fuels hatred."

Naples – "Putting doctors on trial live on social media isn't a call for justice; it fuels hatred and suspicion. We need to unite, not divide, otherwise we'll only see an increase in the violence that is already a huge problem in all hospitals." The appeal was launched by Vincenzo Bencivenga, regional secretary of Anaao Assomed Campania, speaking in the aftermath of yet another attack at the Cardarelli Hospital in Naples.

Bencivenga, joining Francesca Tucci's family in their sincere grief, unhesitatingly condemns this grave incident, but points the finger at a climate he calls "poisoned by social media." "We are deeply concerned," he explains, "by the habit of transforming unclear matters into summary trials conducted online and in public debate, often based on partial, fragmentary, or unverified information."

The union denounces a dangerous trend: the sensationalization of individual cases, even before the judiciary or the competent bodies clarify the facts, fuels mistrust, social anger, and aggression toward healthcare workers. "We need a collective, institutional response," says Bencivenga, "just as is the case with attacks on healthcare workers."

Eugenio Gragnano, corporate secretary of Anaao Assomed of Cardarelli, agrees: "The presumption of innocence applies to everyone and must also apply to doctors. A clear position is needed, including from regional and national politicians, considering initiatives to protect the integrity of professionals when they are exposed to social media condemnation before the authorities have ascertained the facts."

Anaao Assomed Campania emphasizes that defending doctors from summary trials does not mean absolving them of their responsibilities. On the contrary, it means demanding that all liability be determined in the appropriate venues, rigorously, competently, and in compliance with the guarantees established by law. Without this balance, the union warns, it is not just doctors who will lose out, but all citizens.

"Dividing, fueling hatred and suspicion," Bencivenga concludes, "can only tear apart the relationship of trust that is essential to saving lives and caring for those in need. I remind keyboard warriors that that's what doctors are there for: to save lives. Continuing down this path will only deplete critical care units of highly skilled professionals, and this, indeed, would have a huge cost to citizens' health."