COVID-19 mitigation measures to maintain access to essential health services: new opportunities with long-term benefits

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
has substantially impacted health systems globally.
To highlight potential opportunities to improve
health service delivery in low- and middle-income
countries, we describe lessons learned from
published literature and experiences responding to
the pandemic. The benefits of healthcare service
measures implemented during the pandemic
with potential for lasting benefits for
strengthening health systems are highlighted:
1) innovative pharmaceutical dispensing methods;
2) appointment-based systems in health facilities;
3) telehealth to provide patient care; 4) task shifting
to redistribute healthcare workloads; and 5) homebased pulse oximetry to monitor oxygen levels.
These measures can reduce unnecessary contact
with healthcare staff while maintaining critical
health service delivery and may be of value to
continue after the pandemic subsides.