Taṣvīr-i salāmat (May 2022)

Provision of Disrupted Essential Health Services during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Third Phase of National Mobilization against COVID-19

  • Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi,
  • Ardeshir Khosravi,
  • Alireza Raeisi,
  • Amin Ataey,
  • Azizolah Atefi,
  • Babak Farrokhi,
  • Hossein Kazemeini,
  • Elahe Kousha,
  • Azadeh Dormiani,
  • Elham Rashidian

DOI
https://doi.org/10.34172/doh.2022.18
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. Suppl 1
pp. 75 – 87

Abstract

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Background. COVID-19 is a global pandemic and has plagued many countries with unprecedented management problems. The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world has reduced the ability of countries to address and respond to essential health services. Most countries have taken steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and improve essential services. The National Mobilization Plan against COVID-19 in Iran’s healthcare system was implemented in 5 stages until the September of 2021. This study aimed to assess and review medical universities' performance in the third step of management and control of COVID-19 to provide documents and reports to be used in similar experiences. Methods. This research is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were obtained from electronic records at the primary health care facilities. Data were analyzed and reported using descriptive statistical methods, including comparative tables and graphs. In order to prepare the report, Excel 2016 software was used. The third step of the National Mobilization Plan against COVID-19 was implemented from August 10, 2020, to November 10, 2020. In this step, while re-emphasizing the importance and necessity of verbal and laboratory screening of COVID-19, essential health services provision was highlighted as "in person and remote services" for the covered population. Results. In the third step of national mobilization, 59,109,413 people were screened for COVID-19. During the third step, non-COVID essential services increased compared to the previous three months, with the most significant increase in middle-aged care. Conclusion. After implementing the third step of National Mobilization Plan against COVID-19 in Iran, the number of delivered services in all target groups has increased. This indicates the effectiveness of the third step in the fight against COVID-19 and has increased the provision of Essential Health Services.

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