Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (English: "Home for Relief of Suffering") is a private scientific research hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, founded by Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, and administered by Vatican City. Inaugurated on 5 May 1956, the hospital has adopted modern technologies and is often considered as one of the most efficient scientific research hospitals in Europe. The building is situated at the highest part of the town, on the top of the hill, giving the location an identity of a hospital-town. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza has two major activity wings. One of which is an internationally regarded hospital for the relief of suffering and the other is a state-of-the-art scientific research centre which had received the status of a Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), an institute of national interest, by the decree of Italian Ministry of Health in 1991. The research centre is also home to the Genomic and Genetic Disorders Biobank which is part of the Telethon Network of Genetic Biobanks and conducts basic and pre-clinical research and clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. It is first in the world to run non-profit clinical trials. The hospital has established Institute for Stem-cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT) that will be the first factory of GMP neural stem cells in Europe for producing bio-drugs and cell-drugs. ISBReMIT has a dedicated area for the start-ups and spin-offs in biotechnology. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza also houses a large out-patient clinic, a hospital-school for the children suffering from cancer and other genetic disorders, a reception centre which is a hotel complex, and a social-assistance residence for elderly. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza also owns two agricultural companies-Masseria Calderoso and Posta La Via. It also hosts one spiritual centre, prayer group and a church. In front of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza there is Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, named after the founder of this hospital and research centre. Hospital The hospital manages 900 beds, 206 elderly care beds, 2900 employees, 60000 annual admissions, 9500 surgeries per year, and over 1.3 million annual outpatient services, making it one among the most regarded in Europe. The hospital is divided among 30 medical and surgical wards, 50 clinical specialities, and 4300 diagnostic and therapeutic services." Departments and services The hospital has the following departments- Health Management, Pathological anatomy, Anesthesia and resuscitation I, Anesthesia and Resuscitation II, Cordonal Bank, Banca del Latte,