scholarly journals The implications of COVID-19 legislation on chronic ailments patients: perspectives from Botswana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mandiyanike ◽  
Onthatile Olerile Moeti
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
The Government ◽  
Made In ◽  
Pyrrhic Victory

Purpose COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health challenges in the 21st century. The World Health Organisation recommended physical distancing to halt the upward trajectory of the infections. Countries including Botswana imposed lockdown for non-essential workers. This paper aims to argue that lockdown as imposed by the Government of Botswana was a necessary measure given the nature of transmission of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses exploratory research to unpack impacts of the novel COVID-19 regulations or be responsive to new concerns by breaking new ground through delving into new problem areas. The paper used a use case to explain a single outcome for a single case. Findings The restriction on the freedom of movement is necessary to protect citizens, particularly, those with chronic illness from contracting the deadly virus. The paper further observes that while the legislative intent of the GOB was to protect those with chronic illnesses from COVID-19, the lockdown resulted in near death experiences for some chronic ailment patients. These experiences result from unfettered discretion of functionaries who were policing and manning the streets and those who are conferred with authority to issue travel permits to seek and obtain medical assistance, lack of public transport and the processes of applications for the permits, which exposed citizens to COVID-19. Research limitations/implications The study was desk based. It may have yielded different results. Lockdowns limited mobility for non-essential services. The full impact of the restrictions and the attendant defaulting was yet to be fully realised. Observing the COVID-19 protocols and bureaucratic requirements for obtaining information from the government offices were major challenges. Practical implications Achieving total lockdown as an end in itself may amount to a pyrrhic victory – the authorities may successfully achieve total lockdown but with heavy costs on gains made in combating ailments. Botswana has fought many other pandemics and chronic illnesses still subsist and need to be catered for. For patients, there is not only the complexity of dealing with one chronic condition but also the work of trying to live “normal” lives in the face of co-morbidity, which can be overwhelming. The COVID-19 pandemic adds to the “work” that patients must do to manage and live with such health conditions and the psychological distress. Social implications Authorities need to be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. Abrasive actions may lead to a higher constituency of discontent. Botswana has had a good track record of being democratic, and this needs to be strengthened. Originality/value The implementation of the COVID-19 regulations particularly the requirement for a travel permit to seek health-care services may hinder access to essential health services and ultimately increase the pressure on emergency services or, at worst, increase mortality. Clear guidelines and sober interpretation of the regulations are necessary. This will also make it easier for the frontline security officers manning the streets to correctly understand the prevailing circumstances. In view of the massive gains garnered in combating chronic illnesses, it is important that such gains are not reversed, while the GOB fights COVID-19. People living with HIV/AIDS, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are known to be at significantly higher risk of developing severe illness when contracting COVID-19. Achieving total lockdown as an end in itself may amount to a pyrrhic victory – the authorities may successfully achieve total lockdown but with heavy costs on gains made in combating other chronic ailments.

scholarly journals Final orientation for new graduates on the highest attainable standard of health

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-365
Author(s):  
Samlee Plianbangchang
Keyword(s):  
Self Care ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Workforce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
National Medical ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of taking responsibility for our own self-care as fundamental to achieving optimum healthcare at all levels: family, community and country. However, for self-care to work at its best, the support of the government and the national medical and public health workforce are required in addition to increased facilities that ensure the development and long-term maintenance of a person’s health status. Moreover, inter-disciplinary government policy, strategy and resource support should be placed as a central part of the national healthcare development system. Design/methodology/approach It is a commentary piece of work from own long experience in working with the World Health Organization. Findings The value of self-care and individual responsibility in achieving one’s own good health ultimately results in improved national and global health standards. Originality/value This commentary explores the ideas and concepts on ways and means of leading people to think and act toward achieving their own optimum health in order to lead a socially and economically productive life and ultimately achieve “the highest attainable standard of health,” a WHO objective.

scholarly journals COVID-19 – what do we know and how are we dealing with it? A quick online cross-sectional study in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwani Verma ◽  
Dhanshree R Gunjawate ◽  
Sanny Bhushan Kumar ◽  
CNV Sai Bharath ◽  
Rohit Ravi
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Government ◽  
Infection Spread

PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health emergency affecting almost the entire world. The exponential spread of the infection has become a matter of concern. The study aims to determine how well people in India know about COVID-19 outbreak and actions taken to cope up during lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA total of 5,000 randomly selected participants were sent the survey link, of which 1,526 responded (response rate of 30.5%). The survey was conducted from March 28 till March 31, 2020. The 20-item questionnaire aimed to determine how well people know about COVID-19 outbreak as well as actions taken to cope up during the lockdown. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.FindingsParticipants exhibited good knowledge about the primary and secondary symptoms of COVID-19 and infection spread. Over 95% participants knew preventive measures such as use of masks, sanitizers and hand wash. And, 80% of the participants felt that steps taken by the government are effective, while 93% opined that lockdown would be effective. There was apprehension regarding the infection spread, its containment and age group affected. Over 60% referred the World Health Organization website as their source of information. During the lockdown, participants engaged in home-based exercise (39%) and yoga (28%) for fitness while used social media (64%) and television (63%) for entertainment.Originality/valueAlthough participants exhibited good knowledge related to symptoms and preventive measure related to COVID-19, the beliefs related to infection spread and containment need to be addressed. These should be targeted through health promotional campaigns focusing on mental health and home-based physical activities.

Donor commitments could kickstart Madagascar recovery

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Credit Facility ◽  
The Government ◽  
Made In ◽  
Governance Reforms

Significance The aim was to build on progress made in July when the government secured a three-year IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme. The country’s central bank reported that donors committed to over 6.4 billion dollars in financial support, with subsequent estimates as high as 10 billion dollars. Impacts Passing budgetary measures will prove difficult due to a thin parliamentary majority. The government will likely prioritise EU reform and infrastructure demands -- Brussels has pledged 800 million euros over four years. Failure to implement governance reforms could lead to a suspension of IMF funding.

Pandemic frustrations will drive Panama discontent

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Line ◽  
Sharp Decline ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Panama City ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Support Measures ◽  
Economic Support ◽  
The Government ◽  
Made In

Significance The COVID-19 crisis has prompted a sharp decline in revenues. The fiscal crunch and related austerity measures are driving mounting popular dissatisfaction with the government, expressed through protests in Panama City in mid-March. Impacts Rising unemployment will push more families back below the poverty line, reversing gains made in this area over recent years. Travel and tourism will remain muted over much of 2021 until most major source markets are vaccinated. Business closures are likely to increase when economic support measures are withdrawn, probably later in 2021.

scholarly journals Workplace positive actions, trans people’s self-esteem and human resources’ evaluations

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 809-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Bozani ◽  
Nick Drydakis ◽  
Katerina Sidiropoulou ◽  
Benjamin Harvey ◽  
Anna Paraskevopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trans People ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical patterns regarding trans people’s self-esteem-oriented evaluations during observations of positive workplace actions. The case of a 2015 UK workplace guide is utilized to fulfil the aims. The guide provides suggestions to employers for recruiting and retaining trans people. Design/methodology/approach A new questionnaire is created which forms a 20-item scale capturing a variety of self-evaluations. Trans people provided their responses in a 2018–2019 survey and the study’s patterns were captured. Findings The outcomes suggest that trans people’s self-esteem and self-respect are enhanced by policy makers’ positive actions to promote inclusivity in the workplace. In addition, due to these actions trans people feel more accepted, valued and trusted by the government. The authors suggest that a lack of positive workplace actions may be detrimental to trans people’s self-esteem. However, if a workplace policy is perceived to be a recognition of trans people’s worth this may be internalized, resulting in positive self-evaluations. The authors suggest that the 2015 workplace guide aims to ensure that trans people’s self-expressions are not constrained in ways that could cause them self-esteem difficulties. Practical implications The study also finds that firms which have implemented the workplace guide have informed human resources strategies, affected corporate profiles and staff organizational behaviours, created a more inclusive workplace culture, and addressed LGBT business and trans staff members’ needs. The authors suggest that when employers utilize policy makers’ positive workplace policies they may be able to realize positive organizational outcomes in their firms. Social implications The World Health Organization perceives self-esteem as a public matter and this study suggests that inclusive workplace strategies can positively affect the psychological states of a highly marginalized population group. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first attempt to quantify how a workplace guide impacts on self-esteem-oriented evaluations among trans people. Each one of the 20 items in the scale brings new insights into the subject matter.

Health care expenditure and child mortality in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-275
Author(s):  
Oluyemi Theophilus Adeosun ◽  
Omolara Morounkeji Faboya
Keyword(s):  
Infant Mortality ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Health Care Expenditure ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mortality Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

PurposeHealth improves the proficiency and output generated by individuals. It also raises physical as well as mental abilities, which are required for the growth and advancement of any economy. Many infant diseases have been recognised via contemporary technology in a bid to tackle these diseases. However, children within the African continent (Including Nigeria) die en masse from diseases. This has made the government of Nigeria allocate sizeable part of the nation's budget to healthcare system. The allocation to health is, however, yet to translate to improved health condition for Nigerians. It does not measure up to the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards for apportioning budget to the health sector. This study also analyses empirically the impact of healthcare expenses on the mortality level of infants as well as Nigeria's neonatal mortality level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on Nigeria. Vector auto regression model techniques, unit root tests and cointegration test were carried out using time series date for the period between 1986 and 2016.FindingsThe outcome has revealed that expenditure on healthcare possesses a negative correlation with the mortality of infants and neonates. The study discovers that if the Nigerian government raises and maintains health expenditure specifically on activities focused on minimising infant mortality, it will translate to reduction in infant mortality in Nigeria.Originality/valueThis paper has contributed exhaustively to solution to poor expenditure on healthcare, especially child mortality, in Nigeria.

The privatisation of healthcare system in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Redwanur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that triggered the privatisation of Bangladesh’s health sector. Design/methodology/approach This study follows systematic reviews in its undertaking and is based on an extensive review of both published and unpublished documents. Different search engines and databases were used to collect the materials. The study takes into account of various research publications, journal articles, government reports, policy and planning documents, relevant press reports/articles, and reports and discussion papers from the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Findings While Bangladesh’s healthcare sector has undergone an increasing trend towards privatisation, this move has limited benefits on the overall improvement in the health of the people of Bangladesh. The public sector should remain vital, and the government must remobilise it to provide better provision of healthcare. Research limitations/implications The paper focusses only on the public policy aspect of privatisation in healthcare of a country. Practical implications The paper examines the issue of privatisation of healthcare and concludes that privatisation not only makes services more expensive, but also diminishes equity and accountability in the provision of services. The study, first, makes a spate of observations on improving public healthcare resources, which can be of value to key decision makers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector. It also discourages the move towards private sector interventions. Originality/value This study is an independent explanation of a country’s healthcare system. Lesson learned from this study could also be used for developing public policy in similar socio-economic contexts.

Retention of medical doctors and nurses in rural areas of Odisha state, India – a policy analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manas Ranjan Behera ◽  
Chardsumon Prutipinyo ◽  
Nithat Sirichotiratana ◽  
Chukiat Viwatwongkasem
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
World Health ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Support ◽  
The Government ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Purpose Retention of medical doctors and nurses in remote and rural areas is a key issue in India. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relevant policies and provisions with respect to health care professionals, aiming to develop feasible retention strategies in rural areas of Odisha state of India. Design/methodology/approach The study employed documentary review and key informant interviews with policy elites (health planners, policy maker, researchers, etc.). The document review included published and unpublished reports, policy notifications and articles on human resources for health (HRH) in Odisha and similar settings. Throughout the study, the authors adapted World Health Organization’s framework to study policies relevant to HRH retention in rural areas. The adapted framework comprised of the four policy domains, education, regulation, financial incentives, professional and personal support, and 16 recommendations. Findings In Odisha, the district quota system for admission is not practiced; however, students from special tribal and caste (Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste) communities, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of citizens, and Persons with Disabilities have some allocated quota to study medicine and nursing. Medical education has a provision of community placement in rural hospitals. In government jobs, the newly recruited medical doctors serve a minimum of three years in rural areas. Doctors are given with location-based incentives to work in remote and difficult areas. The government has career development, deployment, and promotion avenues for doctors and nurses; however, these provisions are not implemented effectively. Originality/value The government could address the rural retention problems, as illustrated in the study and put in place the most effective policies and provisions toward recruitment, deployment and attraction of HRH in remote and rural areas. At the same time, implementation HRH strategies and activities must be rigorously monitored and evaluated effectively.

Finland will counter Russian threat with pragmatism

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Presidential Election ◽  
Territorial Defence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Centre ◽  
Defence Spending ◽  
Centre Of Excellence ◽  
Defence Policy ◽  
Hybrid Threats ◽  
The Government ◽  
Made In

Subject Finland’s defence policy. Significance Finland’s traditional strong emphasis on territorial defence against Russia was complemented with an approach to address hybrid threats when the government opened the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki in September. Impacts Defence spending is likely to continue rising gradually and major decisions on procurement projects will be made in the coming years. The outcome of the presidential election will have little bearing on Finland’s consistent, consensual defence policy. A more vocal debate about joining NATO would heighten tensions with Russia. Finland’s new hybrid threats centre could contribute to shaping the security debate in Europe over the next years. The ethnic Russian minority remains vulnerable to external influences.

COVID-19 strengthens the hand of Taiwan's government

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
World Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Health Assembly ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government

Subject Taiwan's management of the COVID-19 outbreak. Significance Taiwan’s success in keeping COVID-19 at bay contrasts favourably with nearby countries. So far, it has had just 49 confirmed cases, far behind nearby South Korea and Japan, with 7,869 and 643 respectively. Impacts Emergency legislation has given the government extraordinary powers, but Tsai will avoid exercising them too readily. Other countries stand to benefit from Taiwan’s eagerness to share its experience and expertise. The crisis makes it possible that Taiwan will attend the World Health Assembly in May, after years of China blocking it.

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