The Federal Government has today announced a further $50 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for research into Long COVID.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said the new funding will help improve Australia’s knowledge of Long COVID and generate evidence to inform policy and clinical guidance, improve health outcomes, and increase awareness of the condition in the community.
“Long COVID is an emerging health issue, both in Australia and internationally,” said Minister Butler.
He said the Government was committed to supporting a strong healthcare system that will deliver effective patient-centred care for people diagnosed with this condition, and the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for patients.
The funding comes as the final report from the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport’s Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeated COVID Infections was tabled in the Australian Parliament today.
The committee, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander MP, made a number of recommendations in its final report, which was informed by more than 560 submissions and testimonies from a wide range of sources.
“I thank Dr Freelander and his committee for conducting this important inquiry. The Australian Government will invest $50 million into research into Long COVID – as an initial response to the inquiry,” said Minister Butler.
“I have tasked my department with developing a national plan to respond to Long COVID, taking into consideration the committee’s findings.”
The Department of Health and Aged Care has been tasked with developing a national plan to respond to Long COVID, taking into consideration the committee’s findings.
