OECD: Ready for the Next Crisis? Investing in Health System Resilience
Across the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) COVID-19 has had a significantly negative impact on health systems and communities. This report emphasizes the need for resilient health systems that can effectively respond to shocks such as pandemics, economic crises, or climate change. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the report highlights the importance of planning and readiness to minimize the negative consequences of crises, recover quickly, and adapt for better performance in the future. By making smart and targeted investments in health system resilience it can improve overall health outcomes. The report covers various aspects, including workforce, digitalization, continuity of care, mental health, long-term care, supply chains, and international cooperation.
The report makes six policy recommendations aimed to ensure global readiness for the next crisis by addressing key vulnerabilities identified during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Promote population health: vulnerable populations make for vulnerable health systems
- Promote workforce retention and recruitment: people are the key to making systems resilient
- Promote data collection and use: without the right data, decision makers are flying blind
- Promote international co-operation: responses are better together than alone
- Promote supply chain resilience: getting products and services when and where they are needed
- Promote governance and trust: without trust, whole of-society responses are less effective
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