Operation to repatriate an Italian girl urgently hospitalised in Phuket (Thailand)

The Italian Air Force aircraft from Thailand landed today at Ciampino Airport, bringing back to Rome an Italian girl who had been urgently hospitalised in Phuket, in recent days, due to a complex medical condition.

The repatriation operation, requested by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, was necessary following a delicate emergency surgery that stabilised the girl's condition, but required a safe return. Minister Tajani, in agreement with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, therefore favoured the intervention of the Air Force with a dedicated flight that was necessary to ensure the shortest and least invasive transfer for the girl, considering the delicate clinical conditions and the very young age of the patient.

Since the beginning of this delicate affair, the Italian Embassy in Bangkok - in close coordination with the Foreign Ministry's Unit for the Protection of Italians Abroad - has provided any necessary assistance to the compatriot and her family members, maintaining close contact with her relatives and the Italian hospital, as well as sensitising the local hospital authorities to the importance of the case and the need for a quick medical repatriation.

Minister Tajani said. "I am glad that the girl has returned home and I would like to seize this opportunity to wish her all the best". The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked the Air Force personnel who managed the compatriot's return, and the Foreign Ministry's officials and diplomatic Mission for their work, emphasising the Italian Government's "ongoing commitment to protecting our compatriots around the world".

The girl was immediately admitted to a hospital in Rome.