Design of a new health system could emerge from the Covid crucible, for universal health coverage (The Hindu, GS-2, health, social sector)

18 May Design of a new health system could emerge from the Covid crucible, for universal health coverage (The Hindu, GS-2, health, social sector)

Context:- Big cities which got crumbled from the COVID-19 now showing a bit recovery. This window of aftermath of the 2nd wave of pandemic provides an opportunity to the government so that next destruction can be saved.

• • Small cities followed by the rural india is under the most stress due to deficiency in:
    • Infrastructure
    • health workforce
    •  availability of drugs and other medical supplies
    •  population health literacy 
    • connectivity to higher levels of care

• Why rural areas were not mush affected in the COVID-19 1st wave

• • • Travel restriction even after lockdown
    • Open field and proper ventilating houses
    • Lowere density.
    • Less chronic disease such as hyper tension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease 

• Why now they are on the ciritical stage

• • Kumbh mela leds to flood of devoties
  • Elections in 5 states and panchayat elections in Uttar pradesh
• How we can make it in less critical or in a fine stage
  • They cover surveillance, screening, isolation and referral
  •  home and community-based isolation
  •  monitoring of active cases in home isolation
  •  health infrastructure (such as Covid Care Centre at sub-centre or PHC level and a Dedicated Covid Health Centre at CHC or sub-district level)
  •  trained human resources
  •  in-patient and out-patient services
  •  clinical management
  •  home care
  •  post-Covid management
  •  community mobilisation
  •  risk and behaviour change communication.
  • some areas will need a fresh look or modification.
  • Use of RAT as RAT is easier to use than RT-PCR
  •  primary healthcare teams must indeed conduct household visits for symptom surveillance
  • Engagement of the local community is vital
  •  NSS and NCC resources can be drawn upon
  • Taking help from Community-based organisations, which have grassroots presence
  • commuting between urban and rural areas must be restricted to reduce the risk of transmission
  • Technology-enabled frontline health workers can catalyse the transformation of healthcare
  • Decentralised planning, delivery and monitoring are needed at the district level, 
  •  support from the police will be essential, public health system should not to be seen in silos.
  •  Decentralised, data-driven decision making must be enabled by easily operable

    Download Daily Current Affairs of 18th May 2021

Swarn Singh

Plutus IAS Current Affair Team Member