Netherlands: Long Covid cited in several euthanasia cases

Data from the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE) indicates that in 2023, one 73-year-old patient underwent euthanasia primarily due to long Covid syndrome. In 2024, four cases involved long Covid as a contributing factor, though it was not cited as the primary reason for the procedure.

According to the Dutch employee insurance agency (UWV), approximately 15,000 people in the Netherlands suffer from long Covid, leading to partial or total incapacity for work. While specialized treatment centers faced potential closure due to budget cuts, the Dutch Ministry of Health announced in July that funding has been secured to maintain these facilities.

Long Covid often results in persistent neurological symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, dizziness, headaches, confusion, memory impairment, and chronic fatigue, all of which significantly impact quality of life.