Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Persons with ME and FM: A step forward in social inclusion

The Times of Malta has reported Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia's parliamentary statement that the government’s list of 82 chronic diseases is being increased by two – myalgia encephalopathy (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM).

This is a big step forward with regard to the social inclusion of persons with ME and FM - something which was denied in previous years. Hopefully this will lead to increased recognition of ME and FM in terms of Social Policy.

On a personal note I am proud to have done my part on this issue in helping raise public awareness in the political and academic spheres when the issue was invisible within civil society.

Well done to campaigners in the field and to the Government for taking heed of civil society.