ME and FM sufferers plea for recognition

Sufferers of the debilitating illnesses of ME and FM yesterday delivered another passionate plea for help, after consistently being met with “a brick wall of indifference” from the authorities.

Some 60 sufferers made a big effort to set aside their fatigue and chronic pain and gathered at the Birkirkara local council for a meeting of their new support group, organised by ME sufferer Rebecca Camilleri and FM sufferer Caroline Spiteri.

ME – myalgic encephalomyelitis – manifests as muscle pain and intense physical or mental exhaustion.

People with Fibromyalgia (FM) experience pain in their tendons and ligaments, along with tender points throughout their body which ache when pressure is put on them. Fatigue is also present.

Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability Franco Mercieca said that the lack of recognition would be addressed in due course.

“However, the commitment needs to be made by the Health Minister. We will examine the situation and tackle it step by step. But we need to follow the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,” he said.