[ANALYSIS] Why managing blood pressure matters during COVID-19 pandemic
Recently, however, most facilities have shifted their priorities to COVID-19 cases. The curfews that are still in effect in Kenya also affect the working hours of clinics. This has an impact on hypertension care services.What needs to be done
The government must establish guidelines on the management of hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. These should provide alternatives to hospital and community based care, such as mobile phone consultations, mobile clinics or telemedicine. Patients should have access to routine follow-up and people at risk of developing it must have options for screening. Access to emergency care must be available at any time considering lockdowns and curfews put in place.Mechanisms should be put in place to ensure patients can still get their anti-hypertensive medication and supplies, especially if they are poor and vulnerable. This should include strengthening supply chains and allowing pharmacists to extend ordinary prescriptions.
Health education must continue to improve awareness about prevention and management of hypertension. This can be done by the community based and other non-governmental organisations currently delivering social care services to vulnerable populations. Messages can also be sent via phones through collaboration between mobile service and healthcare providers.in their homes.
Even in countries with weak health systems, a lot can be done to keep essential services going. Strategic coordination and management will go a long way towards keeping people well during the response and recovery phases of the pandemic.
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