Calabria in southern Italy hosts more than 200 Cuban doctors working in rural and remote hospitals, a program critics say financially benefits Cuba's government.

Locally, the presence of Cuban physicians has reduced emergency wait times, improved access to services, and become a reliance in a region with limited healthcare resources and economic challenges.

The program began before 2023 and expanded through the pandemic, with Polistena hospital’s emergency department heavily staffed by Cuban doctors.

The article places the Calabria effort within a broader history of Cuban medical missions in other countries, to provide context.

A tangible example shows Raciel Escalona Zaldivar treating a patient in the orthopedic unit at Santa Maria degli Ungheresi Hospital in Polistena, illustrating on‑the‑ground work by Cuban doctors.

The initiative is framed as part of Cuba’s broader practice of sending medical personnel to developing nations to aid care where resources are scarce.

The program persists despite U.S. efforts to end it, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Cuba/Italy.

International responses vary: Jamaica and Honduras have ended Cuban missions, while Mexico defends the program as critical care for underserved populations.

U.S. officials visited Calabria to discuss alternatives and outline perceived risks, reflecting ongoing policy interest in how the program operates.

Calabria seeks to balance keeping hospitals open with exploring other staffing options, including potentially expanding Cuban medical staff toward about 1,000 while avoiding direct conflict with U.S. expectations.

The Calabria governor has signaled openness to expanding the program, aiming for up to around 1,000 Cuban doctors, while navigating sensitivities to U.S. policy.

Individual Cuban doctors, such as Zoila Arevalo Cruz and Daysi Luperon Loforte, describe adapting to life in Italy, including learning Italian and local dialects to serve in Polistena.