Navigating Healthcare Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for a Resilient Future

Abstract

This study examined the challenges faced by healthcare practitioners in the post-COVID-19 era and identified opportunities for  innovation and strategies to build resilience in the healthcare system. Conducted in healthcare centres in Marondera town, Zimbabwe,  the study utilised a quantitative survey design with 300 healthcare professionals as participants recruited through convenience sampling.  Data was analysed using SPSS software, and ethical guidelines were followed to ensure participant confidentiality and anonymity. The  findings revealed significant challenges faced by the healthcare system during the pandemic, including shortages of personal protective  equipment (PPE) and substantial delays or cancellations of non-emergency procedures and routine care. These disruptions exposed the  global vulnerabilities of healthcare systems. The vulnerabilities include resource shortages, overburdened facilities and financial strains.  However, the crisis also presented opportunities for innovation and improvement. The study concluded that expanding telemedicine and  digital health technologies could enhance access and continuity of care, while strategies such as strengthening supply chain resilience,  investing in workforce development, and fostering collaborative partnerships offer pathways toward more resilient healthcare delivery.  To build a stronger, more adaptable healthcare system, the study recommends that healthcare providers and policymakers strategically  enhance surge capacity, invest in digital health infrastructure, cultivate workforce resilience, and deepen collaborative networks. Further  research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of the pandemic on healthcare systems and the effectiveness of various resilience- building strategies in different contexts.