Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans faces criticism over long COVID plans

Dutch doctors, specialists, and scientists are criticizing Health Minister Sophie Hermans' plans regarding patients with long COVID and similar conditions, such as ME and Q-fever. The proposed policy aims to significantly reduce funding for expert centers and shift the primary responsibility for patient care back to general practitioners.

Medical experts warn that these decisions are premature because scientific research into post-acute infectious syndromes (PAIS) is still in its early stages. Doctors have expressed concern that they may be forced to treat patients without sufficient medical guidelines or solid evidence, potentially leading to a breach of trust between patients and providers. Experts also warn that a lack of standardized care could result in healthcare inequality.

Previously, the government invested 27 million euros to establish expert centers in academic hospitals to test experimental therapies and gather evidence for future guidelines. Under the new plan, the combined budget for these centers would be reduced to approximately 1 million euros annually. Critics argue this amount is insufficient for conducting essential research and training healthcare workers.