Services for people in Iceland suffering from ME, long COVID-19, environmental illnesses and POTS do not match the seriousness of these conditions, according to a new report from the chief medical officer’s working group. The gap matters because it risks delayed diagnosis and inadequate care for people with illnesses that can have a severe impact on their lives. Both DV and mbl.is reported the findings and recommendations earlier today.
The working group’s report highlights significant gaps in care for these patient groups. The authors conclude that the support currently available is not sufficient given the severe impact these illnesses can have on those affected.
The report recommends a significant expansion of health services for people with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), long COVID-19, environmental illnesses and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) across Iceland. The working group calls for major strengthening of the clinic in Akureyri to better support this group of patients.
In addition, the report calls for increased education among health-care professionals about these illnesses to ensure patients receive informed care and earlier diagnosis.
Why it matters
Akureyri, sometimes called the Capital of North Iceland, is the largest town outside the capital area and serves as a key hub for health care in the north. The report’s recommendation to strengthen its clinic signals a potential shift of resources and focus for underserved patient groups.
Sources
- DV (first reported) in Icelandic
- mbl.is in Icelandic
Image: Lee Vilenski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · licence, original (resized) Illustrative image.
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