The 12th May is the FM-Fibromyalgia, ME-Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and CFS-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome International Awareness Day.Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party reiterated its call for inclusive social policies with regards to persons with ME and FM.

D. Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD spokesperson for Disability Issues and Sports, said “AD believes that persons with ME and FM deserve basic rights, and not charity. For this reason, we will keep putting pressure on the authorities until the rights of people living with ME are recognised and met.”

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “ME is not being considered as a disabling, physical and neurological condition (as defined by the World Health Organisation, code WHO-ICD-10-G93.3) by the authorities, even though patients are so impaired and some extremely debilitated,”

“Similarly, FM is not being recognized as chronic condition and as a disability by the Government.”

“Both FM and ME are not on the list of disabilities covered by the Maltese Social Security Legislation Act which would entitle them to a list of benefits and services, including financial assistance, free medication required to counteract the individual physical symptoms, amongst many others.”

“The least that the Government can do is grant basic rights to persons with ME and FM, and not keep excluding them from social benefits and services. This will help such persons counteract the difficulties, pain and suffering which they experience in their everyday lives.”

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