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) home-based 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.