The Aotearoa New Zealand Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society (ANZMES) has released a call to action urging healthcare providers to advocate for equitable policies and compassionate care for patients living with chronic illnesses such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Long COVID, and other complex conditions.
The NZ Doctor Rata Aotearoa published the opinion piece by ANZMES president, Fiona Charlton, on Tuesday 29th April 2025, with content available exclusively to subscribers.
A poignant example of the challenges faced by vulnerable patients is the case of Rhiannon Purves, who has ME/CFS and dysautonomia. During a prolonged hospital stay, she was subjected to New Zealand’s hospital benefit reduction policy, which drastically reduced her weekly benefit to $56.58, leaving her unable to afford critical living expenses.
“This policy imposes severe financial and emotional hardships on hospitalised individuals, often compounding their medical challenges,” says Fiona Charlton, President of ANZMES. “Doctors have an essential role in advocating for their patients by championing policy change, assisting with bureaucratic processes, and addressing systemic inequities.”
The pressing need for action extends beyond policy reform. Patients with ME/CFS and Long COVID frequently encounter systemic care gaps, including misdiagnoses and outdated treatment protocols that worsen their conditions. ANZMES highlights practical steps for healthcare providers, including:
– Writing detailed advocacy reports to ensure patients receive necessary care and support.
– Participating in Continuing Medical Education (CME) training on ME/CFS, available through ANZMES’s Know M.E. Series and My Health Hub.
– Supporting initiatives like ANZMES’s petition to abolish benefit cuts after 13 weeks of hospitalisation.
“Doctors are not only caregivers but also key advocates for systemic change,” says Charlton. “By supporting vulnerable patients, healthcare providers can drive policies that prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and improved care outcomes.”
ANZMES invites healthcare professionals and the broader community to join their efforts by signing the petition on Action Station and engaging with educational resources to better understand ME/CFS and Long COVID.
Together, we can reimagine a healthcare system where no patient is left behind.
