MSPs to investigate impact of long Covid on Scots

AN inquiry into Scotland’s long Covid crisis will be launched amid claims SNP ministers are not doing enough to help the more than 200,000 sufferers.

A committee of MSPs will carry out the investigation into the scale of the problem.

Sufferers of the debilitating condition are set to give evidence, while MSPs will look at the impact on the economy and labour market.

The inquiry is being launched as the latest official figures show an estimated 204,000 people in Scotland have the condition.

Common symptoms – which can last months or even years – include weakness and tiredness, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, muscle ache, anxiety and trouble sleeping.

Critics say the probe by the Covid-19 recovery committee can finally force the Scottish Government to step up action amid concerns that treatment is better south of the Border, where a network of 89 specialist clinics was established more than two years ago.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘Given the paucity of support available in Scotland [sufferers] would be forgiven for thinking the Scottish Government simply doesn’t care.

‘Like so much of this Government’s attitude to health, the SNP and Greens are happy to turn a blind eye to all those whose lives have been thrown into disarray by the condition.

‘Frankly, many would be better off moving to England given the gulf in support available.’

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: ‘I have been calling for the SNP to set up a dedicated network of long Covid clinics to help treat patients suffering the long-term effects of this virus since I joined parliament.

‘If they had acted on these calls at the start, people all across Scotland could have avoided months and years of pain.’

The Covid-19 recovery committee is expected to formally launch the inquiry on January 12 by issuing a call for evidence. Convener Siobhian Brown said: ‘Our inquiry will look to speak directly to those impacted by long Covid and take evidence on what additional steps the Scottish Government could take to support those living with the condition.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘All NHS Scotland boards are providing assessment and support for people with long Covid, delivered across the full range of NHS services.’

‘Many would be better off moving to England’