Rome, January 25 - The search for ever cheaper national health supplies has compromised quality to the point that the scalpels are dull, the Association of Italian Surgeons (ACOI) said Monday. "Scalpels in Italy are of such mediocre quality no longer cut," ACOI said based on reports from thousands of surgeons throughout the country. Duller surgical instruments mean the surgeon has to exercise more force, which means more trauma to the patient, higher risks of infection, and higher risks of cutting too much, said ACOI chief Diego Piazza. Privileging price over quality will compromise patient safety and quality of care, Piazza warned.