In continued signs of progress, new Covid-19 admissions are trending downward and at least 70% of all positive Covid-19 Patients are asymptomatic. From a strategic approach point of view, Is this the right time for hospitals to start exploring how to restart elective surgery and planned Consultants visits?
As we re-strategize and review of facility for patient safety, a new looming challenge has also emerged in Kenya, that emergency department presentations have dropped between 20-50%. Are patients finding appropriate alternatives to manage their conditions or are they delaying care with potential serious consequences? Or are the healthcare consultants running away from the facilities in fear of infection?
I am waiting to see if anyone can fully quantify the nature and size of that hidden demand. But, at minimum, it moves us into a stage where health systems need to be able to treat Covid patients, resume planned interactions, and redouble work to minimize avoidable escalations in clinical conditions—all at the same time.
Aquinius Mung’atia, Currently Head of Projects & Security, and a strategy enthusiast at Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa in Kenya.
