3. Providing health services effectively
The section on PROVIDING HEALTH SERVICES EFFECTIVELY describes approaches for service delivery planning and patient pathways for suspected COVID-19 cases. It also considers efforts by countries to maintain other essential services during periods of excessive demand for health services.
3.1 Planning services
All elective non-urgent procedures have been cancelled. Emergency procedures are also at risk due to scarcity of essential medical supplies.
Initially, there were 5 hospitals designated to deal with COVID-19 patients in FBIH and 1 in RS.
Primary health care perform triage at entrance by using questionnaire based on WHO case definition and if a suspected case arises, the person is directed to hospital for testing.
Telephone consultations are available. COVID-19 phone numbers are widely communicated though media, based on BIH administrative organisation. There is one number in RS, and 10 cantonal numbers in FBIH.