Erfurt (dpa/th) – Thuringia’s state parliament is examining improvements for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The level of suffering in people with ME/CFS syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) is high, said FDP MP Robert-Martin Monday on Friday in the state parliament in Erfurt. In many cases, the disease, which often goes undiagnosed for a long time, leads to a high degree of physical disability and cognitive impairment. According to him, around 10,000 people are affected in Thuringia alone.
The FDP group submitted an application to the state parliament with a catalog of suggestions for improvement, including better research into the disease and its treatment and the care of those affected. “But we also need an education campaign about the disease, including among doctors,” said Montag. People who are ill are still stigmatized, and the symptoms of chronic exhaustion are not diagnosed or not correctly diagnosed. Children and young people who are particularly ill have a hard time. “We have to make sure that their educational biography doesn’t break off.”
The FDP application was unanimously referred to the health committee of the state parliament for further discussion by the members of all parliamentary groups and groups. The state government announced a statement on the FDP demands, for which experts, including those from the Jena University Hospital, had been consulted.
Education Minister Helmut Holter (left) pointed out that sick children and young people could receive clinic and home schooling. In a next step, however, digital teaching would have to be made legally binding. It is important “that we understand this disease better,” said Holter.
