Calabria Continues Cuban Doctor Program Amid U.S. Criticism
The southern Italian region of Calabria is continuing its program to employ doctors from Cuba, despite pressure from the United States to end it. U.S. officials have criticized the program, labeling it a form of human trafficking and a source…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 9, 2026 — Calabria, a region in southern Italy, is proceeding with its initiative to hire doctors from Cuba, even as it faces opposition from the United States. U.S. authorities have voiced concerns, characterizing the program as a type of human trafficking and a revenue stream for the Cuban government.
Despite these criticisms, the governor of Calabria, Roberto Occhiuto, has publicly supported the program. He asserts that the region’s hospitals depend on the Cuban medical professionals to maintain their services. This reliance stems from a significant deficit in available local healthcare workers.
The current agreement between Calabria and the Cuban doctors operates through direct employment contracts. This approach circumvents the usual practice where a Cuban government agency typically oversees and manages such international medical assignments.
The ongoing program highlights a tension between international diplomatic pressure and regional healthcare needs. Calabria’s administration has emphasized the critical role these Cuban doctors play in ensuring the continuity of medical care for its population, particularly in light of persistent staffing shortages within the Italian healthcare system.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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