In the Chamber, the general discussion is underway on the three motions presented against
fibromyalgia
: a neurological disease recognized by the World Health Organization since 1992 and which
affects between 2 and 3 million people in Italy
, corresponding to 3-4 % of the population.
The motions were presented by Italia Viva, Pd and M5S.
In that of IV, first signatory Maria Elena Boschi,
among the commitments requested from the Government are to include this pathology within the LEA
(essential levels of assistance) and
to recognize it as a disabling disease
, guaranteeing patients "exemption from participation to healthcare spending.
It is also requested that the National Fibromyalgia Syndrome Registry be established at the Ministry of Health, to "provide for the collection and analysis of clinical data relating to this disease".
Objective: establish appropriate intervention strategies.
With the motion of the Democratic Party, first signatory Gian Antonio Girelli, the Government is asked for a series of commitments, including those of promoting knowledge of fibromyalgia through the promotion and conduct of clinical studies;
to create, with the State Conference of the regions and autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, specific specialist clinics suitable for the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia;
to carry out, in collaboration with the regions, periodic information and awareness campaigns on problems relating to fibromyalgia.
With that of the M5S, first signatory Sergio Costa, the aim is to obtain various commitments from the Government including those to guarantee the inclusion of fibromyalgia in the list of chronic diseases, defining the different degrees of disability;
to promote the prevention of fibromyalgia syndrome;
to prepare suitable training courses;
to recognize specific associations and voluntary activities aimed at supporting and helping people affected by this disease;
to stipulate agreements with business associations to guarantee patients' access and retention to work also through "home teleworking".
"Today in Italy there is no recognition of fibromyalgia as a real disabling disease. Consequently, there is no real specific cure to deal with the chronic pain that people suffering from this disease are afflicted with. Patients need a real pain therapy and specific treatments. For this reason we ask that fibromyalgia be considered a real disabling disease and for this we ask that the national health service guarantees essential care, diagnostic tests and all the protocols necessary to deal with this illness. Also because let's not forget that the right to health and therefore to essential care is enshrined in article 32 of our Constitution".
Supporting him in the Chamber is
Irene Manzi, member of the Democratic Party
, speaking in the general discussion on the motions regarding fibromyalgia syndrome.
"For this reason - he adds - with the motion of the Democratic Party, we commit the government to adopt every initiative to include exemptions for health services and all treatments as well as diagnostic tests for people suffering from fibromyalgia within the LEAs. We also invite the government to promote knowledge of fibromyalgia through the promotion of clinical studies and we ask that agreements be stipulated with business associations so that people who have this disease are assured and guaranteed the necessary care without being penalized at work".
"Finally - concludes the parliamentarian - we ask for the establishment of a national register of fibromyalgia syndrome and invite the government to collaborate with the regions and regional associations to promote information and awareness campaigns on this disease. It is important that public institutions take charge of dealing with fibromyalgia and we believe that this is a first initial act to then be made available by law to support patients".
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