Outrage in Italy after medical staff seen discarding Israeli-made Teva medications

The two work at a community hospital in Pratovecchio Stia, near Arezzo in Tuscany. It is unclear whether the footage involved empty boxes or real medication, or whether the products were personally owned or belonged to the regional health authority. Their employment at a public facility intensified criticism online, with some users accusing them of destroying life-saving drugs.

Segantini works as a family doctor under contract with the regional health authority, while Checcacci is employed through a private contractor. “They’re laughing, filming themselves on the job, in uniform, tossing things in the trash,” one commenter wrote. Another said: “We pay taxes for these drugs, and they treat them like garbage for social media likes.”

On the X platform, one user called it “a national disgrace,” writing: “This is not free expression—it’s fanaticism. Anyone who throws away life-saving drugs should not wear a medical uniform.” Another added: “I hope you never need one of Israel’s life-saving medical inventions.”

The Southeast Tuscany Health Authority said it has launched an internal inquiry and “reserves the right to take all necessary steps to protect its reputation and the professionalism of its staff.” It stressed that the filming took place inside hospital facilities without approval.

In a follow-up video, the doctor and nurse apologized again: “It was a symbolic gesture for peace. We never intended to hurt anyone or involve our employer. We are truly sorry.” Segantini added that the items were not medicines purchased by the health authority but free samples—such as wet wipes and supplements—that were placed in the trash “but immediately removed.” She insisted the recordings were made outside working hours.