The challenges of frontline health managers during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: A framework analysis study

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus was first officially reported in Wuhan city of China in December 2019. As this novel coronavirus spread rapidly throughout the world, health care workers faced many difficulties addressing the pandemic. In the present study, we explored the challenges faced by front-line health managers on human resource management, execution of the central policies, and training and in formulating innovative approaches during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using framework analysis among front-line health managers concerning COVID-19 management at the district level. We conducted 120 in-depth interviews among eight states with the use of an interview guide. Results: The results are described under five sections: ‘challenges of front-line managers in policymaking and its execution’, ‘human resource management’, ‘gaps in local execution of central policies’, ‘challenges in training workforce and data management’, and ‘innovative approaches adopted during COVID 19’. Conclusions: We observed that a centre-down approach was not appreciated much. Many participants felt that there was a need to understand the local context and appropriate amendment. The private system is a part of the Indian health system and can never be ignored; thus, all guidelines should include the private system.

Keywords

• challenge
• coronavirus
• front-line health managers
• health managers
• health system