Puglia healthcare officials propose urgent neuromuscular disease care network

Regional health officials and patient associations in Puglia are calling for the immediate activation of the NeMO clinical model to support patients with neuromuscular diseases, such as ALS, SMA, and muscular dystrophies. Currently, patients face significant delays due to the ongoing renovation of the Policlinico di Bari's Chini Pavilion, which is not expected to be completed until 2029.

To prevent patients from having to travel to other regions for care, regional councilor Tommaso Gioia has proposed a 'Hub & Spoke' network. This plan suggests utilizing the Policlinico di Bari as a central hub using existing NeMO protocols immediately, while establishing proximity care points within the local health authorities (ASL) of Brindisi, Lecce, Taranto, Foggia, and BAT using existing facilities.

Regional health commission discussions have highlighted deep inequalities in care quality across different provinces. Stakeholders are demanding a coordinated regional system to ensure uniform diagnostic and therapeutic pathways (Pdta) and improved home assistance, ensuring that a patient's place of residence does not dictate the quality of their medical treatment.