Alessandro Di Battista, a 48-year-old former Italian parliamentarian, underwent emergency surgery on Saturday at Havana's Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The procedure was necessitated by a sudden deterioration in his health while he was in an ambulance en route to the airport for repatriation to Italy.
A key figure in Italy's Five Star Movement (M5S), Di Battista had been hospitalized since late August after experiencing an unexpected illness in Santa Clara. He was on assignment for the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano and the TvLoft platform at the time.
The specifics of the surgery have not been disclosed publicly.
According to the Italian portal Virgilio, both Cuban and Italian doctors decided to operate following an urgent consultation, prompted by a swift change in Di Battista's medical condition.
Uncertain Return to Italy
Di Battista’s return to Rome is currently on hold; doctors are waiting for his condition to stabilize before approving any travel.
Schierarsi, an association founded by Di Battista himself, urged "maximum discretion and caution in disseminating information" via social media until further updates are available.
His partner, Sahra Lahouasnia, is by his side in Havana.
Timeline and Ongoing Health Concerns
Sources close to the politician, cited by Corriere della Sera, noted that "weeks and a lot of patience will be required," adding that "while the process has not gone as planned, the best decisions for his health have undoubtedly been made."
The situation dates back to August 28, when Di Battista lost consciousness for several hours in Santa Clara, where he had arrived six days earlier for his reporting work.
Initially treated at a local hospital, he was later transferred to the Ameijeiras Hospital, a national reference center in Cuba with 650 beds and advanced specialties like neurosurgery and intensive care.
On August 30, two specialists from Rome's Gemelli Hospital flew to Cuba to join the medical team attending to him.
While no official diagnosis has been released, some Italian media have speculated about a possible stroke, a theory neither confirmed nor denied by the doctors, family, or Di Battista himself.
Delays and Broader Implications
In early September, Di Battista announced he was feeling better and planned to leave on an air ambulance covered by his private travel insurance, ensuring no cost to the Italian state. However, his transfer was postponed multiple times until Sunday's emergency surgery put it on indefinite hold.
The situation has reignited discussions in Italy about the state of Cuba's healthcare system. In February 2026, the Cuban Minister of Public Health admitted to the Associated Press that the system was "on the brink of collapse," plagued by shortages of medication, anesthetics, and energy resources.
"Alessandro is a fighter; he won't give up," an anonymous former deputy told Corriere della Sera.
Frequent Questions About Alessandro Di Battista's Health Situation
What led to Alessandro Di Battista's emergency surgery in Cuba?
Di Battista's condition suddenly worsened while he was being transported to the airport for repatriation to Italy, prompting an urgent surgical intervention at a Havana hospital.
Why has Di Battista's return to Italy been delayed?
His return is postponed until his health stabilizes post-surgery, as determined by his medical team.
What is the status of Cuba's healthcare system as highlighted by this incident?
The incident has highlighted ongoing issues in Cuba's healthcare system, such as shortages in medication and resources, which were acknowledged by the Cuban Health Minister in 2026.