In response to the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals dealing with long COVID and repeated COVID infections, the Australian House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has handed down a report with nine recommendations, including the establishment of a national long COVID database.
The report is the result of an inquiry which aims to improve Australia’s response to long COVID, a condition that may affect hundreds of thousands of Australians.
Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, emphasised the difficulties faced by both patients and healthcare professionals, who are grappling with a lack of information and treatment options for long COVID. Deputy Chair, Mrs Melissa McIntosh MP, noted the mental health impact of long COVID, with many sufferers experiencing isolation, disbelief, anxiety, and depression.
The committee made nine recommendations on the Australian Government’s management of long COVID, including:
- Establishing a national long COVID and COVID-19 database;
- Defining long COVID for use in Australia and creating evidence-based living guidelines, co-designed with patients with lived experience;
- Launching a nationally coordinated research program;
- Developing a COVID-19 vaccination communication strategy;
- Increasing access to antiviral treatments for COVID-19;
- Increasing support for primary healthcare providers;
- Increasing indoor air quality and ventilation;
- Increased funding for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) research and patient support; and
- Considering a comprehensive summit into the COVID-19 pandemic and Australia’s past and current response.
During the inquiry, the committee held four public hearings and received nearly 600 submissions from individuals, organisations, and government bodies. The report and additional information about the committee can be found on its website.