Covid-19: Lauterbach wants to improve the situation of long-Covid patients
Covid-19
Lauterbach wants to improve the situation of long-Covid patients
Karl Lauterbach (SPD), Federal Minister of Health, comes to the weekly meeting of the Federal Cabinet in the Chancellery. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
When the first corona symptoms are over, it is far from over for many sufferers. But little is known about Long Covid. There is now a lot to be invested in research.
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach wants Long-Covid-Support patients with more information and improve their care by investing in research. A hotline will soon be set up in his ministry as a contact point for people who want to find out more about Long Covid, Lauterbach told the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday). The hotline should also provide information on diagnostics and new therapeutic approaches.
His ministry also wants to invest 100 million euros in research that examines how long-Covid patients can best be cared for, said the SPD politician. “One important question, for example, is which form of rehab works. The wrong rehab can result in additional weakness.”
Financing still open
That Lauterbach plans to budget millions for the funding of projects to improve supply for the coming years, the ARD capital studio had already reported on Thursday. Lauterbach did not say for what period of time he estimated these funds. The ARD report also pointed out that it is unclear whether the minister will get so much money in the budget for this.
Lauterbach repeatedly warns of the long-term consequences of a corona infection, which not only affect those affected, but could also have consequences for society as a whole. “We assume that a relevant proportion of those who are ill after a corona infection are struggling with long-Covid symptoms,” said Lauterbach of the “Rheinische Post“. “Estimates assume five to ten percent. This often means a hard stroke of fate for the individual and can even become relevant for the job market if the number of sick people continues to rise.”
