Israel will recognize fibromyalgia, a once widely dismissed illness that involves chronic muscle pain, as a disability.
People with the condition will be recognized as disabled within a few weeks, and will be able to claim up to 40 percent of a full disability allowance, Welfare and Social Affairs Minister Meir Cohen announced on Tuesday.
The move makes Israel one of the first countries in the world to make such far-reaching provisions for fibromyalgia patients.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain, and in some cases physical exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and a feeling that sleep does not alleviate tiredness. As such, it prevents many people from following a normal work routine.
Data from the Health Ministry and Asaf, the Israeli fibromyalgia association, suggests that some 4% of Israelis, or 240,000 people, are affected by fibromyalgia and its sibling condition, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Source:
The Times of Israel - Israel to recognize fibromyalgia, a chronic muscle pain illness, as a disability