Doctors warn that cuts to long-COVID expert centres could erode patient trust

Health Minister Sophie Hermans plans to drastically scale back financial support for the eight long-COVID expert centres that were established in university hospitals two years ago, while returning most responsibility for these patients to primary-care doctors. Physicians argue that the science on post-acute infectious syndromes such as long-COVID, ME and Q-fever is still in its infancy and that treatment should be guided by solid evidence and formal guidelines, which are not yet available.

The centres were initially funded to conduct experimental trials and gather data for future protocols, but the new budget would not cover core activities like research, training and complex-case assistance. Researchers warn that limited national research grants hinder progress, especially when neighboring countries invest far more. Patient groups plan a demonstration in The Hague to demand sustained investment and faster development of effective therapies.