The global spread of coronavirus is taking a toll on almost all countries. There isn’t any single domain of our life that has remained unaltered due to Covid-19, from financial issues at an individual level to the collapse of economies at a global level, it is fracturing the entire system gradually. The increasing number of cases per day and the fatality rate is creating havoc and people are becoming more vulnerable to both mental and physical health issues, thus, increase in demand for medical marijuana doctors and other healthcare supply chains. 

We all have been witnessing that the global healthcare system has collapsed. Even countries like China or the USA have failed to facilitate Covid-19 patients aptly. The pandemic has an even worse impact on African countries. Their already strained socio-economic structure has become even more vulnerable to a downfall. Likewise, the healthcare supply chain is being affected the most due to the coronavirus crisis. Here is how the current situation and other factors are gradually weakening the healthcare system in Africa and what can be done to overcome the loss that they are facing:

Panic Buying:

The increase in demand for healthcare equipment such as medicines, masks, ventilators, etc. due to the panic buying is making it difficult for the healthcare supply chains in Africa to meet the demand. The political pressure of keeping the prices low as per the ease of people and delay in shipment deliveries all together are contributing to the making supply chains vulnerable to the coronavirus crisis. The global pharmaceutical companies are being benefited from this situation as they are generating more revenue. However, developing countries like Africa are bearing the brunt as it is becoming hard to afford good quality medicines. 

Pandemic is Not the Only Battle They Have to Fight:

The coronavirus is not the only battle that African countries are fighting. The continent has been facing some major socio-economic crises from the past few years and the coronavirus is making the situation even worse for them. Their healthcare system was already strained by outbreaks like Ebola, malnourishment, and several such fatal health issues. Moreover, the locust attack in 2019, particularly in West Africa has led to an increase in inflation and has caused social unrest. All of these various crises have affected the annual revenue of the country and have resulted in fluctuations in the economies. 

Likewise, African countries import 90% of the healthcare equipment and medicines from European countries. Since the global demand for these items has increased, it is difficult for the distributors to meet the demand of African countries, thus, exposing them to the severe negative outcomes of the coronavirus outbreak. African countries are struggling for their survival and are fighting on various fronts simultaneously, therefore, coronavirus will be a major blow on their healthcare system and supply chains. 

Unemployment:

The rapid spread of coronavirus and the prolonged current situation is leading to a surge in the unemployment rate not just in the African countries but other continents too. The loss in businesses due to the lockdown at both the global and local levels has made the companies opt for massive layoffs. The same goes for the healthcare supply chain. The incapability to meet the increased demands is resulting in less revenue generation that in turn is contributing to unemployment. 

The proliferation of Fake Medical Products:

Other than the novelty of the coronavirus, fake medical products are contributing to worsening the health conditions of Covid-19 infected individuals. The proliferation of fake medical products is not just threatening for one’s health, but they are also putting the reputation of well-reputed healthcare supply chains at stake. The World Health Organization is warning people about these health scams. 

What Can Be Done?

African countries need to increase market surveillance so that the fraudsters can be identified. Above all, people need to be educated about how the precautions can save the country from entering into another vicious cycle of destruction and agony that can further hinder the progress of the African countries. 

The Bottom Line:

The coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm irrespective of the continents and is creating massive socio-economic havoc at a global level. Therefore, the coronavirus crisis and its aftermaths are inevitable. However, working together to make access to affordable and good-quality healthcare products easy for everyone is all this world needs to work on at the moment.