Aisla, an Italian healthtech company based in Milan, has introduced “Ovunque vicini” (Nearby Everywhere), a new free telemedicine service designed to provide specialist assistance to people living with ALS—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as motor neurone disease—throughout Italy.
The service addresses a significant gap in healthcare access for ALS patients, many of whom face mobility challenges and geographic barriers when seeking specialized medical care. Through a combination of digital infrastructure and clinical partnerships, Aisla aims to democratize access to expert consultation regardless of where patients reside.
How the Service Works
“Ovunque vicini” operates through a dedicated operations centre available 12 hours daily, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Patients access the service via the Isa app, which serves as the primary interface for telemedicine triage and specialist connections. The system connects patients with specialists from NeMo clinical centers, established hubs of expertise in neuromuscular disease treatment across Italy.
According to Antonella Simone, “‘Ovunque vicini’ nasce per portare competenze specialistiche direttamente alle persone con Sla, ovunque vivano. È un servizio gratuito che si attiva tramite una centrale operativa disponibile 12 ore al giorno, dalle 8 alle 20, sette giorni su sette” (Ovunque vicini was created to bring specialized expertise directly to people with ALS, wherever they live. It is a free service activated through an operations centre available 12 hours a day, from 8 to 8 p.m., seven days a week).
Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs
ALS represents one of the most challenging neurodegenerative conditions, requiring regular specialist input and coordinated multidisciplinary care. Patients often require consultations with neurologists, respiratory specialists, nutritionists, and other professionals. The centralized nature of many clinical centers means that travel for appointments becomes increasingly difficult as the disease progresses, making home-based consultation particularly valuable.
The introduction of “Ovunque vicini” demonstrates how telemedicine platforms can be tailored to address the specific needs of chronic disease populations. By combining triage capabilities with direct specialist access, the service seeks to reduce delays in care while minimizing the burden on patients and their families.
European Context
The launch reflects broader trends within the European healthtech sector, where startups increasingly focus on underserved patient populations and chronic disease management. Italy’s aging population and established neuromuscular disease expertise through centers like NeMO provide fertile ground for such innovations. Similar telemedicine initiatives are emerging across Europe, though dedicated services for specific neurological conditions remain relatively limited.
Aisla’s approach aligns with European healthcare objectives emphasizing digital transformation and equitable access to specialist care, particularly for patients in remote or underserved regions.