At the Federal Council meeting on 29.11.23, the current healthcare provision for Long COVID was examined and the next steps were discussed.
The report on the meeting describes that healthcare in Switzerland has responded quickly to the challenges of long-term consequences following COVID-19. There is a well-developed network of specialized services to examine and treat the various symptoms.
Long COVID is a complex disease, and the effects are very stressful for those affected and their families, which poses major challenges to health care professionals. It is important to ensure access to the latest research results and the rapid dissemination of new findings.
What has been achieved so far?
The federal government has implemented various measures to improve the care of people affected by Long COVID. These include the collection of data on consultations in GP practices due to persistent symptoms after COVID-19. In addition, the Altea Long COVID Network has received financial support and several research projects on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 have been funded.
As part of the funding program for COVID-19 drugs, the federal government has also been funding the development of a drug for the treatment of Long COVID since 2021. In addition, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has supported an expert committee in developing recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of post-COVID-19 condition. The recommendations were published in August 2023.
Where can care still be improved?
There is a particular need for improvement in terms of access to services, their design, knowledge sharing, and cooperation between service providers. Cantons and healthcare facilities should maintain care options in line with demand. Although the immunity built up through vaccinations and infections has reduced the risk, there is still a risk of long-term consequences of COVID-19.
The FOPH plans to continue monitoring the need for care and to compile data surveys, models, and lists of specialized contact points and interdisciplinary support groups. The Federal Council recommends that all responsible entities take measures to close the gaps in the areas of information, evidence, diagnosis, treatment, and financing and to ensure that care continues to be provided in the future.
