A 19‑year‑old student in Palermo, Italy, was hospitalized after being barred from using the restroom during a university entrance exam despite completing the test. Invigilators reportedly kept her in the exam room for 40 minutes, refusing her bathroom break. Her sister later revealed that the student suffers from a urinary tract problem, and the delay caused bleeding due to hemorrhagic cystitis.The university’s stricter restroom policies this year, introduced amid concerns of cheating, have faced backlash following the incident.

According to reports, the student pleaded to leave the room to relieve herself but was told doing so would invalidate her test.The physical toll was immediate: her urinary condition was aggravated, and she required hospitalization to address the bleeding and discomfort. After treatment, she returned to claim her iPhone, which had been collected during the exam—but it had reportedly gone missing. In addition to the medical harm, her sister described the experience as causing “moral damage” and emotional distress.

This case has reignited debate around exam supervision policies, student rights, and accommodations for medical conditions. Critics argue that strict no‑leave rules disproportionately harm students with genuine health needs.  Advocates have called for clearer guidelines—such as verified medical passes or real‑time monitoring—to balance academic integrity with humane treatment. In sum, what began as an exam procedure turned into a medical emergency, highlighting how rigid policies can have serious consequences when applied without flexibility.