Challenges faced by frontline health managers during the implementation of COVID-19 related policies in India: A qualitative analysis

Background & objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare systems across the world. Many directives, guidelines and policies for pandemic control were laid down centrally for its implementation; however, its translation at the periphery needs to be analyzed for future planning and implementation of public health activities. Hence, the objectives of this study were to identify the challenges faced by frontline health managers in selected States in India during the pandemic with regard to implementation of the COVID-19-related policies at the district level and also to assess the challenges faced by the them in adapting the centrally laid down COVID-19 guidelines as per the local needs of the district. Methods: A qualitative study using the grounded theory approach was conducted among frontline district-level managers from eight different States belonging to the north, south, east and west zones of India. The districts across the country were selected based on their vulnerability index, and in-depth interviews were conducted among the frontline managers to assess the challenges faced by them in carrying out COVID-19 related activities. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim, manually coded and thematically analyzed. Results: Challenges faced in implementing quarantine rules were numerous, and it was also compounded by stigma attached with the disease. The need for adapting the guidelines as per local considerations, inclusion of components of financial management at local level, management of tribal and vulnerable populations and migrants in COVID context were strongly suggested. The need to increase human resource in general and specifically data managers and operators was quoted as definite requirement. Interpretation & conclusions: The COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Centre were found to be useful at district levels. However, there was a need to make some operational and administrative modifications in order to implement these guidelines locally and to ensure their acceptability.

The Chennai floods of 2015 and the health system response.

The Chennai floods of 2015 were a calamity of unexpected proportions. The impact on the lives of the poor has been immense. Thousands needed to abandon their already precarious dwellings on the banks of the Adyar River, and other low-lying areas for temporary shelters. The differential experience and impact of disasters on different segments of the population helps understand the dynamics of sociopolitical structures and supports.

Health issues of sanitation workers in a town in Karnataka: Findings from a lay health- monitoring study.

Background. Official estimates are not available for mortality or morbidity among sanitation workers (including manual scavengers) in India. Little is known about their health issues and health-seeking behaviour in the context of their occupational hazards (work practices and exposures). We attempted to understand the nature of health problems of sanitation workers using a lay epidemiological process. Methods. A community-based organization working in Chitradurga town in Karnataka for the development of sanitation workers recorded the health problems of workers and their treatment-seeking practices every month using a health-monitoring tool. We used a lay epidemiological approach to identify occupational health problems and deficiencies in healthcare access through the narrative of workers’ perceptions of their illness. Descriptive analysis was done to map the occupational health status, healthcareseeking practices and the social support mechanisms in place. Results. Injuries and chest pain were the most commonly reported illnesses. Most workers continued to work without appropriate treatment as they ignored their illness, and did not want to miss their wages or lose their job. Self-medication was common. Intake of alcohol was prevalent to cope with the inhuman task of cleaning filthy sewage, and as a modality to forget their health problems. The pattern of illnesses reported during monthly monitoring was also reported as long-standing illnesses. Health and safety mechanisms at workplace did not exist and were not mandated by regulatory bodies. Conclusion. Health and safety of sanitation workers has been inadequately addressed in public health research. Sanitation work lacks specific protective regulatory guidelines to address health hazards unlike other hazardous occupations.

Critical perspectives on the NIMH initiative “Grand Challenges to Global Mental Health”.

In July 2011 Nature carried a Comment titled “Grand Challenges to Global Mental Health”announcing research priorities to benefit people with mental illness around the world. The essay called for urgent action and investment. However, many professionals, academics, and service user advocate organisations were concerned about the assumptions embedded in the approaches advocated and the potential for the project to do more harm than good as a result. Nature refused to print a letter (sent on 20th August 2011) protesting against the issue, citing ‘lack of space’ as the reason. This letter is an effort to critique the initiative through wide participation and consensus

When the patient’s family refuses care: a practical ethical dilemma.

We walked into the clinic of our nongovernmental organisation to find a young man sprawled on the floor face down and crying in pain. We were told that Velu (name changed), an Irula tribal from a village about six km from the clinic, had been fetching water from the well when he had felt a sharp pain in his abdomen, cried out and fainted. He regained consciousness in a few minutes and was brought to the clinic in severe distress. He was gasping for breath and said every deep inhalation was making the pain in his abdomen worse. Even the slightest movement elicited severe pain