by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Maurizio De Blasio, Trieste Councillor for Education and Family Policies; Stefano Visintin — Director, Pharmaceutical Services (Gorizia–Monfalcone Hospitals)
Local authorities and health institutions in Trieste have introduced updated guidelines designed to regulate how medications are administered to children and teenagers in schools and other youth settings outside the home.
The framework, presented Thursday at Palazzo Gopcevich, was developed through collaboration among the Municipality of Trieste, the regional health authority Asugi, the Burlo Garofolo maternal and child health institute, and the Italian Federation of Pediatricians. Officials say the guidelines aim to ensure that children who require essential medication — including those with chronic conditions — can safely participate in educational and recreational activities.
The document updates an earlier protocol dating to 2013 and expands its scope beyond schools to include a broader range of youth environments such as daycare centers, after-school programs, sports associations and other educational organizations serving children and adolescents up to age 17.
Maurizio De Blasio, the city councillor for education and family policies, described the guidelines as the result of “long-term teamwork” among municipal departments and medical professionals. He said the initiative seeks to safeguard both students and staff while providing clearer procedures for handling situations that may involve routine medication or medical emergencies.
Stefano Avian, councillor for personnel policies, said the revision reflects a coordinated effort between local government and health institutions to modernize procedures that had not been updated in more than a decade.
Health officials emphasized that the guidelines also address the growing number of children living with chronic illnesses that require ongoing treatment or immediate intervention during the school day.
Stefano Visintin, director of pharmaceutical services for Asugi, said the framework helps protect not only the right to health care but also children’s access to education by allowing those with medical needs to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment.
The new protocol outlines responsibilities and procedures for educators, health professionals and families, clarifying how medications can be administered and how institutions should respond to potential emergencies while awaiting medical assistance.
Alberto Peratoner, who oversees territorial emergency services for Asugi, noted that even in regions with well-developed emergency response systems, the ability of teachers and staff to act promptly can be crucial in the moments before professional help arrives.
Medical specialists involved in the project also stressed the importance of coordination between families, pediatricians and educators. Andrea Taddio, a pediatrician at the Burlo Garofolo institute, said pediatricians often play a key role in guiding families and schools in managing treatment plans for children with ongoing health conditions.
The guidelines are not mandatory but are intended as a shared operational model that schools and youth organizations can adopt to ensure consistent and safe practices.
