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Addressing Gaps for Health Systems Strengthening: A Public Perspective on Health Systems’ Response towards COVID-19

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  • Nur Zahirah Balqis-Ali

    (Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Weng Hong Fun

    (Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Munirah Ismail

    (Institute for Health Management, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Rui Jie Ng

    (Institute for Health Management, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Faeiz Syezri Adzmin Jaaffar

    (Institute for Health Management, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Lee Lan Low

    (Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia)

Abstract

Strengthening the health systems through gaps identification is necessary to ensure sustainable improvements especially in facing a debilitating outbreak such as COVID-19. This study aims to explore public perspective on health systems’ response towards COVID-19, and to identify gaps for health systems strengthening by leveraging on WHO health systems’ building blocks. A qualitative study was conducted using open-ended questions survey among public followed by in-depth interviews with key informants. Opinions on Malaysia’s health systems response towards COVID-19 were gathered. Data were exported to NVIVO version 12 and analysed using content analysis approach. The study identified various issues on health systems’ response towards COVID-19, which were then mapped into health systems’ building blocks. The study showed the gaps were embedded among complex interactions between the health systems building blocks. The leadership and governance building block had cross-cutting effects, and all building blocks influenced service deliveries. Understanding the complexities in fostering whole-systems strengthening through a holistic measure in facing an outbreak was paramount. Applying systems thinking in addressing gaps could help addressing the complexity at a macro level, including consideration of how an action implicates other building blocks and approaching the governance effort in a more adaptive manner to develop resilient systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Nur Zahirah Balqis-Ali & Weng Hong Fun & Munirah Ismail & Rui Jie Ng & Faeiz Syezri Adzmin Jaaffar & Lee Lan Low, 2021. "Addressing Gaps for Health Systems Strengthening: A Public Perspective on Health Systems’ Response towards COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9047-:d:623319
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    1. Berman, Peter, 1995. "Health sector reform: making health development sustainable," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 13-28.
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