Two medical specialists from Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital are set to arrive in Cuba this Sunday. Their mission is to join the medical team overseeing the care of former Italian deputy Alessandro Di Battista, who remains in critical condition in Havana.
As reported by ANSA, the Italian doctors will collaborate with Cuban medical professionals to assess Di Battista's health condition in the coming hours.
At 48, Di Battista's current health status renders him unable to be transported back to Italy, despite the Italian government's readiness to provide a medical flight for his repatriation once his health stabilizes.
The former Five Star Movement (M5S) deputy traveled to Cuba on August 22 to work on the documentary series "La polvere del mondo" (The Dust of the World) for the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano.
During a visit to Santa Clara, Di Battista's severe headaches, which began the previous day, suddenly intensified. Seeking medical help, he was urgently admitted to a local hospital. According to Italian media, he lost consciousness for several hours.
Once conscious again, he was transported to Havana's Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, where he underwent specialized tests, including a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
No official diagnosis has been released so far. While some Italian media outlets speculate a possible stroke, this has not been confirmed by medical authorities.
Despite his severe condition, Di Battista has managed to respond to some supportive messages from the hospital.
"I will do everything I can to return soon," he wrote to Ilaria Loquenzi, a former member of the M5S communication team.
Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, had a phone conversation with Di Battista, describing him as "resilient in spirit, undaunted by his challenging circumstances."
Tajani assured him that the Italian government would do "everything necessary for him, as it should for any Italian citizen in similar situations."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation through Italy's ambassador in Cuba, Simona De Martino. Meanwhile, M5S leader Giuseppe Conte has been facilitating communication between Di Battista's family and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His partner, Sahra Lahouasnia, is also en route to Havana.
Di Battista's hospitalization occurs amid a severe crisis in Cuba's healthcare system. Cuban authorities have acknowledged significant shortages of medications and a surgical waiting list exceeding 100,000 individuals.
The Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, where Di Battista is being treated, is one of Cuba's premier facilities for complex cases and foreign patients.
Key Questions About Alessandro Di Battista's Health and Situation in Cuba
What is the current condition of Alessandro Di Battista?
Alessandro Di Battista is in critical condition in Havana, Cuba, and is being attended by both Italian and Cuban medical professionals.
Why was Alessandro Di Battista in Cuba?
He traveled to Cuba to produce a documentary series titled "La polvere del mondo" for the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano.
How is the Italian government responding to Di Battista's situation?
The Italian government has offered a medical flight for his repatriation when possible and is in constant communication with him and his family to provide necessary assistance.