The COVID pandemic has brought widespread coverage for influenza and other diseases, and it has also challenged the traditional dichotomy between infection control and hospital culture. As a result, hospitals are now better prepared to handle COVID-related pandemics in the future. But what are the consequences? And how can hospitals benefit? Read on to learn more about the changes in hospital culture. And stay tuned for the next chapter of this series:
COVID has led to universal coverage
The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the most vulnerable groups in the world. This group of people are poorer and suffer from worse social, economic and health conditions than other populations. Poor health conditions, coupled with geographical barriers, make them particularly vulnerable to the virus and to the consequences it can cause. In addition to poverty, COVID is also associated with an abysmal healthcare system. This has slowed progress towards universal health coverage.
The government has resorted to making the payment process easier for patients through COVID-19. For instance, the government established specialized hospitals for COVID-19 patients and required that patients seeking other medical care go to non-COVID-19 hospitals. This has also mobilized the private sector to produce more medical supplies for the public. In addition, the government is supporting the production of diagnostic tests locally. Moreover, it is a step in the right direction.
Although universal health coverage is a lofty goal, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of investing in health care. Health is crucial for peaceful societies and stable economies, so investing in health and healthcare is the right thing to do. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a unique opportunity to re-invent UHC in a way that promotes equity in society. All of us should take this opportunity.
It has challenged the hospital disease control dichotomy
The COVID crisis is a textbook example of a hegemonic shift from social to medical concerns. Its epidemic trajectory exposes the hegemony of the medical over social, and the blind-spotting of policies related to health and inequity. As with any epidemic, the authors argue that health systems should evaluate risks and interventions to prevent the escalation of COVID.
It has led to a better system for emergency preparedness for future pandemics
When a pandemic first breaks out, the first line of response is the health department. These offices work to control the spread of disease in communities and develop emergency operations plans and emergency responses. They also leverage their capabilities as Laboratory Response Network reference laboratories and support the development of COVID-19 diagnostics. A major takeaway from COVID is that it is important for local governments to have a say in emergency preparedness planning and response.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was a global disaster, lessons learned will be helpful for emergency preparedness for future epidemics. Investing in public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness will make us better equipped for future pandemics. For example, better health care infrastructure will make our communities safer and healthier. And better health care systems will make us more likely to treat the people who are ill, and help save their lives.
The COVID outbreak has also improved the system for developing emergency preparedness for future pandemics. As a result, researchers are already developing more effective methods to manage the so-called infodemic. With the help of a global alerting system, governments and organizations can identify infectious diseases with potential pandemics. A better system is also needed for coordinating responses during such emergencies.
