Locatelli new head of Higher Health Coun

(ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Top Italian surgeon Franco Locatelli has been appointed the new president of Italy's Higher Health Council (CSS). The CSS is the top body that the health ministry turns to when it needs expert consultation.
    Locatelli is the director of the department of oncohaematology and genetic and cellular therapy at Rome's Bambino Gesu' children's hospital. Born in Bergano in 1960, he has worked at the Vatican-owned hospital since 2010. In December he was the head of the team that performed an innovative bone-marrow transplant on a 20-month-old child called Alex affected by a rare genetic disease using an innovative manipulation of stem cells.
    The CSS was hit by controversy last year when Health Minister Giulia Grillo sacked all 30 members who were not on the board by virtue of other institutional positions that they hold.
    Grillo denied reports that the political background of the outgoing board members had been a factor in the move.