The effects of COVID-19 on the medical system

The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a preliminary report on the effects of COVID-19 on the medical/health system. The experts reached these drastic conclusions based on the data from 105 countries. Almost every country (out of 105) has experienced disruptions to health services; the states with low and middle-income levels were affected the most.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact even on the best medical systems. Most countries have had to suspend many routine and ancillary services, focusing on emergency care to save the lives of COVID patients.

What happened?

First of all, the immunization issues arose, accompanied by the difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases, Family Planning and contraceptive measures, prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Planned interventions were cancelled, and even worse, in some countries, there were interruptions in the work of emergency services. In almost every fifth country, there were issues with urgent or emergency surgeries.

What is the underlying problem?

As the experts state, the reasons behind the disturbances of the health care system fall within the classic formula of supply and demand, meaning that while the need for inpatient treatment increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemics, the need for outpatient care services decreased, as people went to see a doctor only in an emergency. Additionally, many doctors and paramedics had to change their specialisation to help COVID-19 infected patients.

What is the best solution?

In his report, the Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned that: “The study identified issues in healthcare systems; however, they have to form the basis for new strategies to improve healthcare during and after the pandemic.”

WHO suggests launching online platforms to provide the necessary medical help for all who may need it. It is expected that they will help doctors around the world to share experiences and adopt advanced methods of treating and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, the doctors also believe that this innovative approach will increase the speed of prescribing treatments and providing medical care to patients during the coronavirus pandemic.