The renowned Italian infectologist Matteo Bassetti issued a stern warning on Monday regarding the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, in light of the serious health condition of former deputy Alessandro Di Battista, who has been hospitalized in Havana since August 28.
In a post on X, the director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at the San Martino Polyclinic in Genoa began by wishing Di Battista a speedy recovery, but he took the opportunity to draw attention to the conditions facing healthcare on the island.
"Today, that system is undergoing a profound crisis. There is a shortage of medications, medical supplies, anesthetics, oxygen, and even essential energy resources," he stated.
Bassetti clarified that he is not a neurologist and avoided providing a diagnosis regarding Di Battista. However, he emphasized the importance of acting quickly in the presence of symptoms consistent with a possible stroke, one of the theories circulating in Italian media, although no definitive diagnosis has been publicly disclosed so far.
The specialist also discussed the causes of the Cuban health crisis. He attributed part of the deterioration to U.S. sanctions, but made it clear that this explanation does not absolve the authorities in Havana of responsibility.
"That does not mean denying the responsibilities of the Cuban government and its economic and political decisions," he emphasized.
At the same time, Bassetti argued that criticism of the current situation should not overshadow the historical achievements of Cuba in certain areas of public health, such as childhood vaccination.
"You can criticize the Cuban government without denying the historical results of Cuban healthcare," he wrote.
Di Battista remains in serious condition in Havana
Di Battista, 48 years old and a former member of the Five Star Movement (M5S), arrived in Cuba on August 22 to film the documentary series "La polvere del mondo," from the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano.
On August 28, while in Santa Clara, he suffered a severe discomfort and lost consciousness. After receiving emergency care, he was transported by ambulance to the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana, where he is currently hospitalized.
His condition remained serious this Monday and the doctors had not authorized his repatriation, despite Italy having arranged a medical flight. Two specialists from the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome traveled to Cuba to assist in his care.
Bassetti's statement comes at a time when Cuban healthcare is experiencing one of its worst crises in decades. In February, the then Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged to Associated Press that the system was "on the brink of collapse".
In April, there were 461 out of the 651 essential medicines from the basic list missing—over 70%—and in May, more than 100,000 patients were awaiting a surgical intervention, including about 12,000 children.
From the hospital, Di Battista has responded to the messages of support received in recent hours.
"I will do everything I can to return soon," she wrote.
Bassetti ended his message with some words directed to the former deputy: "Alessandro, stay strong. We truly hope you can come back soon."
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