Lucrezia Ciotti The rules for detaining irregular migrants in repatriation detention centers are changing . The new directive signed by Matteo Piantedosi modifies the role of medical assessments and introduces additional provisions on medical examinations and the management of medical records. This tightening is intended to streamline repatriation procedures.
The investigation into medical certificates and the new provisions: visits within 24 hours and confidential documents
The review follows the Ravenna Prosecutor's Office's investigation into alleged medical certificates issued to prevent the transfer of some migrants to CPRs. Several healthcare professionals have been investigated in the proceedings, accused, to varying degrees, of false statements and criminal conspiracy to hinder expulsions.
The investigation concerns the alleged formulation of diagnoses , including infectious diseases and psychiatric disorders, which would have made the stay of foreigners in the facilities incompatible . The doctors involved have denied the allegations, maintaining that they acted in accordance with their code of ethics and the principle of protecting patient health.
In the context of the case, the Court of Cassation also annulled the suspension measures adopted against three doctors, ordering a new examination by the Bologna Review Court.
Among the new provisions, the directive also introduces the possibility of detaining a person in the center prior to a medical examination , provided that the examination is conducted within 24 hours of entry. The procedures for handling documentation have also changed : the medical record, compiled using a template provided by the ministry, must be sent in a sealed envelope to the managing body's healthcare staff. A summary of the assessment will be kept by the facility's police stations, who can forward it to the judicial authorities upon request. Medical documentation will be protected from third-party access , with exceptions limited to the judicial authorities, defense lawyers, healthcare authorities, and bodies established by the UN Convention against Torture.
In the background, there remains the debate initiated by associations and humanitarian organizations, which in recent months have denounced health checks deemed insufficient and the failure to take into account conditions of vulnerability , psychiatric disorders and acute or chronic pathologies.
CPR, Piantedosi's directive changes: doctors' opinions will no longer stop migrant detention.
The rules for the entry and detention of irregular migrants in repatriation detention centers (CPRs) are changing. A new directive from the Ministry of the Interior states that doctors' negative opinions will no longer be binding in preventing the detention of foreigners. Medical examinations will continue to be required, but will no longer serve to formally determine whether a person is eligible for detention in the facility . Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced the change in a message published on X: " With my new directive on CPRs, irregular migrants will continue to be examined by doctors from local health authorities, but any negative opinion will no longer be binding in preventing their detention in the centers ."
The Interior Minister specified that the individuals will still be entrusted to the care of health workers present at the facilities, who will be responsible for determining what tests are necessary, also with the support of the competent local health authorities. According to the minister, the measure aims to " ensure maximum protection for migrants' health while preventing assessments influenced solely by ideological prejudices from hindering repatriation procedures ."
The measure amends Article 3 of the previous Lamorgese Directive, modifying the role of medical certification: the doctor will be responsible for verifying the patient's clinical condition through the patient's medical history, symptoms, and available documentation, identifying any medical needs to be met inside or outside the center. However, prior certification of physical and mental fitness for detention will no longer be required.