Mónica García assures that the next step in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is the implementation of protocols in the autonomous communities.

Health Minister Mónica García stated this Monday that, with persistent COVID declared a chronic disease, the next step is to implement protocols in the autonomous communities , although "some have already begun to do so" for a very complex condition with more than 200 symptoms.

This was stated during an interview on Radiocable's La Cafetera , reported by Servimedia, in which he added that with the declaration of persistent Covid as a chronic disease , "it is given an entity," since "it is true that persistent Covid is a very complex reality with many symptoms and after-effects. More than 200 symptoms that each patient experiences differently and with an enormous impact on health and daily life."

"Recognition of a complex pathology"

In fact, Mónica García recalled, a non-legislative proposal promoted by Sumar and developed by patient associations was approved. We met with them and decided to take an important step by including persistent COVID within the National Health System's Chronicity Strategy . It's an opportunity to focus on these patients and ensure they receive continuous and close monitoring.

"Now it's up to the autonomous communities to implement these specific protocols. Some have already begun or have been doing so for some time. All of this is recognition of a complex condition, but one that patients experience in a highly debilitating way," he emphasized.

Regarding the complaints from those affected who claim that medical tribunals are refusing to grant them disability, the Minister of Health emphasized that this disease "is not defined by its complexity and numerous symptoms. These tribunals are guided by very specific pathologies and symptoms, and in the case of persistent COVID, we're talking about more than 200 symptoms. This adds complexity to defining it and providing solutions for all those who suffer from it."

Therefore, he noted, "one of the steps is to visualize the disease and include it in the National Health System's Chronicity Strategy. From here, we must continue working and unraveling all the skeletal problems that prevent these patients from finding a solution to their healthcare and bureaucratic problems."