Riksförbundet för ME-patienter

The Swedish National Association for ME Patients (RME) is a politically and religiously independent membership organisation working to improve the situation for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (WHO ICD-10: G93.3).

The organisation represents patients and works to ensure that ME is recognised and acknowledged as a serious disease. It advocates for patients’ rights to correct diagnosis, adequate care, and full participation in the social insurance system, as well as access to support measures.

RME also monitors and stimulates research, disseminates accurate scientific information, and promotes exchange of experience, support, and community among its members. In addition, it cooperates with organisations that share the same goals at both national and international levels.

Focus Areas

RME’s work is guided by its vision, mission, and core values.

Vision

RME aims to be the first choice for ME patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals when advice, support, and information are needed.

Mission

As a national patient organisation, RME works to:

• Improve the situation for patients and ensure a good quality of life
• Gather and communicate qualified knowledge about ME across biological, psychological, social, and existential domains
• Inform politicians, public opinion, social insurance systems, and healthcare providers about current research on ME/CFS

The organisation’s work is based on patients’ needs:

• In everyday life, including access to aids, home care assistance, social services, and family support
• In healthcare, through access to specialist clinics and competent primary care
• For the future, through stable financial support and continued research

Key Achievements & Recent Initiatives

RME places strong emphasis on maintaining up-to-date knowledge across the entire ME field and actively follows the latest scientific developments. Based on current research, the organisation recognises ME/CFS as a serious, chronic, complex multisystem disease that significantly limits patients’ activity levels.

The organisation also highlights that existing research does not support the view that ME/CFS is caused or maintained by erroneous thought patterns, nor should it be classified as a functional or psychogenic condition.

A key part of RME’s work is providing support and guidance to members while taking a holistic view of the individual, including biological, psychological, and social aspects. The organisation recognises the significant life impact of ME and emphasises the importance of appropriate care and measures that can improve quality of life, even in the absence of curative treatment.

RME continuously monitors societal developments and engages with current issues affecting ME patients, working with experts across different fields to strengthen its advocacy and impact.

Support for Patients & Families

RME provides support and guidance to patients and their relatives, including advice, community support, and opportunities for members to connect and share experiences.

Support for Healthcare Professionals

RME contributes to improving knowledge and understanding of ME by disseminating research findings and providing scientifically grounded information about the disease.

N

ational and International Cooperation

RME cooperates with organisations at both national and international levels that share similar goals.

Nationally, it is a member of Funktionsrätt Sverige (The Swedish Disability Federation).