Four people with long Covid euthanised in NL last year

Four people died by euthanasia last year after suffering with long Covid, according to the Dutch regional euthanasia review committee.

The youngest patient was 51-years-old, the other three were over 65. In another six cases, long Covid played a role in the decision to end their lives but was not the primary factor.

An estimated 400,000 people in the Netherlands currently suffer from long Covid, many of them have severe symptoms that stop them working or being able to enjoy basic everyday activities.

The Dutch Health Council this year urged the government to give more clarity around the situation with long Covid and do more to help treat those suffering from it.

Last month, a national research and investigation centre was launched by the Long-Covid Foundation, to help prolong work into treating the illness.

Government funding of €40 million dried up, so the foundation raised €500,000 to give to seven scientists to keep researching possible treatments.