On December 23, a heart transplant operation was set for a two-year-old boy from Naples, with a new heart arriving from Bolzano, promising a chance for a new life. However, just as the medical team at Monaldi Hospital was prepared, the donated organ was found to be badly burnt. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the organ donation process and the protocols followed in handling such sensitive operations.

The situation surrounding this botched transplant has led to the initiation of three separate investigations in Naples, focusing on the management and transportation of the donated heart. Questions are being raised about the procedures that led to the organ being in a condition unfit for transplantation. The investigations aim to determine whether there were any lapses or negligence that contributed to the failure of the procedure.

This incident highlights broader issues within organ donation and transplantation systems in Italy, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure the safety and viability of donated organs. As the boy and his family continue to wait for a suitable heart, advocacy for better practices in organ procurement becomes increasingly urgent.