NGOs consulted on health policies

The importance of the health authorities and NGOs working together to improve healthcare was underlined yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Joe Cassar. "When we work together we reap results that are beneficial for everyone," he said.

Speaking during a press conference to mark International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Dr Cassar said NGOs were being consulted about the development of policies, something that was evident in cancer-prevention strategies.

"I would like to see more participation and more response as to how these policies could affect the end users," he said. He emphasised the importance of focusing on prevention and health promotion through full involvement in the community.

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition which predominantly involves the muscles.

Patients suffer from pain and stiffening of their muscles, tiredness, problems with sleeping, lack of concentration as well as gastro-intestinal problems.