‘Greens will give ME and FM sufferers a voice in parliament’ – Briguglio

Alternattiva Demokratika has called for more support to be given to persons suffering from Encephalopathy (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM). Currently, persons suffering from ME and FM do not qualify for disability benefits.

AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said, "Persons with ME and FM face constant difficulties in their everyday life and their rights should be guaranteed. They rely on various medicines according to their individual needs. Most also require alternative therapies and treatment, all of which are costly."

"Yet, given that ME and FM are not recognised as chronic illnesses or disability, despite the WHO classification of their disability. As a result, they are not entitled to specific assistance. They also need to pay for the special costly foodstuffs in view of the intolerances and sensitivities caused by their conditions. To make matters worse, many persons with ME or FM cannot be in employment, which, in turn increases the risk of poverty."

Briguglio concluded by promising that AD would give ME and FM sufferers a voice in parliament.