Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García, and the Minister of Social Rights and Consumption, Pablo Bustinduy, have met with representatives of ConELA and presented them with a draft plan to deploy the ELA Law and collect their contributions on the topic.
According to the Ministry of HealthThe document includes eleven measures ranging from the approval of regulations to streamlining access to the Dependency Care System, the inclusion of new treatments through the National Health System and the training of professionals.
Phases of deployment
The ELA Act has two main phases.
Phase I: Underway
Currently, this stage prioritizes streamlining procedures for disability and dependency and includes:
- Training of SAAD professionals.
- Ongoing social and health coordination.
- Creation of assistance for expenses.
- Inclusion of caregivers in labor policies.
Phase II: In preparation
This phase will be activated after regulatory development and includes:
- Update the services of the National Health System.
- Expand physiotherapy coverage.
- Create the State Registry of Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Coordination and objectives
Minister Mónica García said that there is "maximum harmony" between the ministries, which will allow for coordinated and effective work to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Minister Bustinduy stressed that the plan "reinforces the consensus" reached with the Law and asked the autonomous communities to implement it more quickly.
State strategy
This plan is part of a broader strategy and seeks to transform the care model in Spain. The plan's investment is 1.3 billion euros and prioritizes home and community care.
In addition, two specialized ALS centers are already operating in Asturias and Extremadura, offering comprehensive support to patients and their families.
Public consultation in January
A public consultation will be launched this month with experts who will define clinical criteria and the list of diseases included in the ELA Law.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to those affected and their families, which is a crucial step towards more inclusive and specialized care.
