Health Minister Giulia Grillo
said Thursday that the government had never interfered with the
work of the Higher Health Institute (ISS) after sources said the
resignation of two senior members was down to the scientific
independence of the body not being guaranteed.
Board member Giuseppe Remuzzi and scientific committee member
Armando Santoro's resignations followed that Wednesday of ISS
president Walter Ricciardi, who said he wanted to return to
research work.
"No act of this government, starting with my ministry, has
ever interfered in the activities of the Higher Health
Institute, not has it conditioned its programme or scientific
direction," Grillo said.
"No ISS researchers, personnel or managers have come under
pressure regarding their work and I as minister never intervened
to condition it of interfere in any way.
"Those who make slanderous accusations will answer for them".
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