Here is how the healthcare industry was impacted post COVID pandemic

The COVID pandemic-induced lockdown caused immense obstruction in the lives of people. World economies, even those as great as the American economy suffered. This impact on the economy was a consequence of the collective blow taken by the various industries such as travel, education, and healthcare. The healthcare industry played an important role during the pandemic and its function is still in effect. Pandemic or not, the healthcare industry of a country should be prioritized as it is a major deciding factor in the well-being of its citizens.All industries, including the healthcare industry, underwent a significant change. According to Dr. Shalini Pandey, Senior Consultant-Paediatric at Batra Hospital, New Delhi, “New treatment protocols had to be devised. New drugs and new equipment had to be brought into place in a very short period of time. The frontline workers were not only exposed themselves to the novel threat but also could transmit the virus to their families which posed a greater threat.”. “The pandemic has taught us to focus on hitherto ignored health sector development and provide solid guidelines for healthcare workers to act upon. Also, the need of the hour is to be progressive in our thought process.”, she added.

Healthcare industry and the pandemic
Here are some prominent distinctions noticed in the healthcare industry pre and post-pandemic:

Stance on healthcare: Each country faced its own set of challenges during the COVID crisis. Both first and third-world countries encountered unprecedented issues regarding their healthcare industry. This threw light on each countrys’ stance on the healthcare industry and how well equipped it is to take care of its citizens’ needs in times of crisis.

Information about health: People became more invested and conscious of their health after the pandemic. However, a major issue of misinformation grew significantly as wrong information concerning the virus and its effects were being circulated all around. This meant that while the world was fighting a pandemic, it was combating the ‘infodemic’ alongside. Medical innovation: Even with regular advancements being made in the field of medicine, the pandemic hit us as a major realization about how sometimes even the best may but be enough. This calls for the careful allocation of human and capital resources in the healthcare sector and research to avoid or lighted the blow of future contingencies.

A different approach: The healthcare industry will not be the same after the pandemic. As the people were restricted to their houses, it lessened the scope of hospital visits and doctor appointments. Both patients and healthcare professionals from all fields switched to a virtual model of consultation. Patients found this method more convenient and economic. However, this method can only be a solution for people belonging to specific demographics and financial stances.

Adaptability: The healthcare industry saw a sudden surge in patients and medical attention which was enough to make things go haywire. Apart from the obvious problem of inadequate information about the virus, the issue of degraded quality of treatment and bed unavailability also arose. Several hospitals suffered economically due to the drop in patient footfall. This called for an immediate requirement of adoption methods to improve conditions and adapt to the needs of the patients.

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