LAMPEDUSA (ITALPRESS) – For the first time oncologic patients crossed the threshold of the new room of the Decentrated Oncological Service (SOD) in Lampedusa, in the polyambulatory of Contrada Grecale, transforming a proximity health project into a real and concrete treatment experience. A passage that marks a historical turning point for the island and its most fragile citizens. Among the patients assisted also a person suffering from bladder tumour that, until recently, was forced to reach the hospital of Sciacca facing long and tiring trips between ship and car. Now, on the other hand, he was able to receive the therapeutic infusion directly in Lampedusa, under strict control, as well as the oncologics of the Policlinico “Giaccone” of Palermo, also of the urologist in service in the polyambulatory of the island. “Today we do not only tell the activation of a health service – says the general manager of the Asp of Palermo, Alberto Firenze – but we return full sense to the principle of equity of the National Health Service. Bringing oncological therapies to Lampedusa means recognizing that even in the most peripheral and complex territories the right to care must be guaranteed with the same quality and dignity. A proper and heartfelt thanks goes to the Ministry of Health for the convinced and continuous support of this pilot initiative, which demonstrates how collaboration between institutions can overcome geographical limits and transform proximity health from utterance to concrete practice.” The Decentrated Oncological Service of Lampedusa is the result of a wide and qualified institutional network that involves the Asp of Palermo, the Policlinic University Hospitaller Paolo Giaccone, the INMP (National Institute for Health Promotion of Migrant Populations and for the Contrast of Poverty Diseases), the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa, the Regional Health Initiative, and the Ministry of National Health. “The activation of the Decentrated Oncology Service in Lampedusa – says the Director-General of INMP, Cristiano Camponi – is a concrete example of how the institutional address of the Minister of Health can be translated into operational actions capable of reducing inequalities in access to care. This important result was possible thanks to a group of institutional actors who teamed up. The Sicilian Region, the ASP of Palermo, the AOUP Giaccone and the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa, the latter who contributed with the inspiration of the Councillor Vincenzo Cantafia, with the tenacity and the determination of Mayor Filippo Mannino and with the important contribution in the technical-scientific commission. The INMP has provided expertise, organizational models and ability to dialogue with the institutions matured in the most fragile contexts of the country. Lampedusa thus becomes a replicable model that shows that even in the most difficult realities it is possible to guarantee quality care and care continuity”. The Decentrated Oncological Service of Lampedusa will continue with the progressive expansion of the activities, strengthening the multidisciplinary takeover with the aim of reducing for some tumor forms the need for transfers to the mainland. – photo press office Asp Palermo-(ITALPRESS).
