COVID-19: Weighing the Endeavors of Nations, with Time to Event Analysis

Abstract

The cataclysmic COVID-19 pandemic erupted silently causing colossal impact worldwide, the repercussions of which indicated a lackadaisical vigilance in preparation for such a pandemic. This review assessed the measures taken by nations to contain this pandemic. A literature review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and WHO website. There were 8 nations (selected from the GHS index list) appraised for containment strategies. This was achieved by using mortality rate (per million) as the primary endpoint. The nations which were proactive, initiated scientific strategies earlier with rigor, appeared to have succeeded in containing the pandemic, although it is still too early to arbitrate a verdict. The so called "pandemic war" mandates international, interdisciplinary, and interdepartmental collaboration. Furthermore, building trust and confidence between the government and the public, having transparent communication, information sharing, use of advanced research-technology, and plentiful resources are required in the fight against COVID-19.

How the nations should gear up for future pandemics?

“…COVID-19 pandemic has stretched the health care system around the world, testing their capability to cater to patient needs and protecting their health care workers. While some countries could execute their pandemic-response plans swiftly, others failed to act quickly and their health care systems have been overwhelmed [ 3 ]. Outbreak mitigation relies on expeditious diagnosing and isolation of cases; wherein, less severe cases are quarantined at home and severe cases are managed at hospital.…”

“…Universal Health Coverage (UHC) or Medicare for all is incentivized to vest in cost-efficient prophylactic services, which can ward off grievous clinical outcomes and pricey treatment. Obstacles to timely diagnosis and case isolation not only affect on an individual basis, but bring forth wide societal risk [ 3 ]. Robust financing structure and investment in quality primary health care is the key to attain UHC in any country.…”

“…Robust financing structure and investment in quality primary health care is the key to attain UHC in any country. Although government funded health care system provides access to health care for all individuals; in an emergency, attributing to their lengthy wait times and over usage, it may fail to meet the need as was seen in England [ 3 ]. Escalated out of pocket expenditure in private health care system could detrimentally devoid the financially poor in procuring the health care facilities.…”

“…Escalated out of pocket expenditure in private health care system could detrimentally devoid the financially poor in procuring the health care facilities. A government monitored and regulated public-private partnered health care system could tackle crisis effectively as was seen in Canada, South Korea, and Taiwan [ 3 ]. In any emergency, primary care remain as the initial point of contact between the public and the health system, and countries with a strong primary health care (PHC) could prevent outbreaks, protect the public from further spread of infection, prevent overburdening in hospitals, and safeguard their health care workforce [ 3 , 4 ].…”

An examination of Thailand’s health care system and strategies during the management of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…A quick response (QR) code scanning was mandatory for every person entering a shop or restaurant. This later facilitated contact tracing [ 7 ]. Health warning cards were issued to travelers arriving in Thailand, which had to be shown to doctors in case they experienced any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of arrival in Thailand.…”