Assessment of healthcare infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Purpose of the study: During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries, especially with high population density, adopted the Find Test Trace Isolate Support (FTTIS) model to combat the virus. Among the ten Indian states with the highest COVID-19 morbidity cases, West Bengal ranks seventh and has the highest population density. Hence, the researchers comprehend the pandemic-related healthcare infrastructure of West Bengal through the FTTIS model’s lens. Methodology: The researchers utilized secondary data sources to commensurate the FTTIS framework with the indicators of healthcare infrastructure, such as COVID-19 testing centers, safe homes, sanctioned hospital beds, and medical oxygen. Mapping was completed in ArcMap 10.8. The researchers conducted two-tailed hypothesis tests for all correlation coefficients to verify the significance of probability values (p-values). Main findings: Findings suggest a strong correlation between urban population density parameters, COVID-19 transmission, and healthcare infrastructure. There is a skewed distribution of healthcare facilities in the districts of West Bengal. One COVID-19 testing center was deployed in Uttar Dinajpur district, contrary to 59 in Kolkata, the state’s capital. Pharmaceutical oxygen supply per 1000 patients was only 0.57 units for Kolkata, whereas its morbidity rates were the highest. Application of this study: There are disparities in the distribution of healthcare amenities. Findings from this study can inform policy implications and foster pandemic preparedness for the health sector in West Bengal. Novelty/Originality of this study: The researchers performed a district-wise health system assessment concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in West Bengal. Envisaging the indicators of the state's healthcare system through the lenses of the FTTIS model emerges as a novel contribution.