Cuban Doctors Save Lives in Italy’s Southern Region of Calabria
June 1, 2026
When they first arrived in Italy, some of their Italian colleagues and patients were distrustful of Cuban doctors, but they quickly realized what people all over the world know: Cuban doctors are top-notch.
Cuban medical workers have served on international cooperation missions in more than 150 countries since the 1960s. They usually work in Global South countries facing severe staffing shortages and health inequities. But since 2022, they have also been in Calabria, Italy.
During Covid, a Cuban brigade helped Italians in Lombardy, which triggered Calabria’s President Roberto Occhiuto to reach out to Cuba to bring hundreds of doctors to his region. Calabria is one of the poorest regions in Italy, and their healthcare sector has suffered greatly from staffing and other issues.
Listen to these Cuban doctors describe their experience in Italy.
“We haven’t left yet, but patients are already worried about what will happen when we do,” says Cuban surgeon Asbel Díaz. “We work from the heart. We work thinking of helping others, and we give our all every day for the Italian people.”
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“We work from the heart. We work thinking of helping others and we give our all, everyday, for the Italian people,” Cuban surgeon Asbel Díaz said.
Cuban medical workers have served on international cooperation missions since the 1960s. Usually they work in Global South countries facing severe staffing shortages and health inequities.
But since 2022, Cuban doctors have also been in Calabria, Italy.
“If we hadn’t come to Calabria many services would not be functioning now,” Dr. Saidí Gallego said. “Several hospitals were at risk of closing due to the lack of medical personnel here.”
“Before I came to this hospital, patients with a vascular disease were referred to other cities,” said Dr. Sahily González.
“When we arrived, our Italian colleagues weren’t exactly happy we were here,” said Orthopedist Dr. Ariel Martínez.
“But within a few months we proved our human qualities and what we’re capable of doing,” said Díaz.
“We’ve been welcomed. They’ve helped us deal with the language and the technology,” said Dr. Dany Lozada.
“The Italian colleagues I work with every day in the operating room have made me feel at home,” said Díaz.
“Patients and their families are very grateful. They always treat us with affection,” said Dr. Sahily González.
“Many times patients ask for us instead of Italian doctors. Not because the Italian doctors aren’t good, but because we are warmer in treating patients,” said Lozada.
“I miss Cuba a lot. No matter where you are, your roots are with you and you feel Cuban,” said Dr. Eduardo Góngora.
“I miss my family and it's a little tough. But that’s a sacrifice we Cuban doctors are used to making,” said Martínez.
“My son tells me I've been gone too long and I should go back. But he also tells all his friends constantly that his dad is in Italy, that he's healing patients, saving lives. So, that gives me strength to keep going,” said Lozada.
“I think we will leave a good impression in Calabria,” said Dr. Saidí Gallego.
“We haven’t left yet, but patients are already worried about what will happen when we do,” said Díaz.
“I would like to be remembered as the doctor who was patient, who treated everyone with affection and professionalism,” said González.
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