In 2022, in Italy, the Calabria Region signed an agreement with Cuba to bring nearly 500 Caribbean doctors to local hospitals. A decision hailed as “brilliant” in a struggling healthcare system. Today, however, some of those white coats seem to have vanished into thin air. Others have chosen private clinics or left Italy. An exodus that raises serious questions.
Vibo Valentia and the Jazzolino case
The last to leave was an orthopedic doctor from the Jazzolino hospital, who moved to a private facility. But he is not the only one. A colleague flew to Spain, another was stopped at the airport. Others are reported “untraceable” between Cosenza and the province. The Asp has asked for clarification from the Prefecture and the Police Headquarters: what is behind these departures?
The political case erupts
The issue has reached Parliament. M5S deputy Anna Laura Orrico has asked President Occhiuto to “guarantee the rights of Cuban doctors.” An investigation by Cubanet.org sheds light: reduced salaries, halved overtime, etc. According to the report, from 34 euros per hour, doctors would receive just 6.68.
Occhiuto: “Far from slaves, they are free”
The governor's (and health commissioner’s) response was sharp: “Slanderous accusations, fake news. Cuban doctors earn like their Italian colleagues: 4,700 euros gross per month, with accommodation included. They are integrated, appreciated, some have even married. If they leave, it’s because they are free to choose.”
The issue of contracts (and double agreements)
The initial agreement stipulated that only 1,200 euros would end up in the doctor's pocket, the rest to the Cuban interim company. Then the contract was updated with direct hires. But according to Cubanet, there is a second “shadow” contract with the Cuban agency: withholdings up to 78%, reduced overtime, halved bonuses.
Contract extended until 2027
Despite everything, the agreement has been renewed until 2027. The Region defends the choice: “It has filled serious gaps and improved healthcare services.” But a real reform is needed: because for Calabrian healthcare, Cuban doctors are still a patch, not the solution.
