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I recently read a fascinating article by McKinsey about how prioritising health could rebuild the economy post-pandemic. Like any disaster, the rebuild brings opportunity alongside hardship. How we learn from such times of challenge not only builds our resilience, but also knowledge. Whilst Covid-19 has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on individuals and businesses across the globe, it has equally provoked exceptional developments. At breakneck speed, we’ve reshaped ourselves. Personally and professionally, we’ve become enlightened on how to do things differently, and better, in the future.
The past few months have taught us a lot. As a country, we are stronger for the experience and will be stronger in future. We’re focusing more on community; protecting our individual health, but also being mindful of the health of those around us.
More than ever, we know a collective approach isn’t just better, but the only way forward. Businesses have zoned in on resilience-building capabilities; understanding healthy people and teams must come before profit. With a market-wide approach to prioritising the employee, economies now have the potential to reshape and recover stronger than ever.
This virus has also challenged our approach to care, particularly for those most vulnerable, or typically marginalised. As the data continues to highlight, high-risk groups like the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, or within low-income households, are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. The #BlackLivesMatter movement has further exposed deeply rooted social disparities which continue to exist the world over - glaring gaps inherent in ‘developed’ nations who should, by now, be far further evolved.
How we learn and grow from here is critical. While we all face uncertain futures, and we know this is even more apparent for minorities. A greater focus on the health of people regardless of race, religion or economic standing will provide greater tolerances in the future. With younger generations watching how we lead through this - here’s hoping we’ll gift them a future marked by a truly people, community and health-focused way of life.
As we rally for the second half of 2020, let’s not let this virus infect our spirit. Instead, let’s take heart from the exponential learnings, progress and innovations already achieved. In the local health sector we’re already reaping the rewards of a rapid TeleHealth and digital prescriptions rollout, and patient management systems have been transformed by the integration of data analytics. Hospital workforces are now better equipped to cope through peak periods than ever before. Open access to live data and case tracing has been a huge advantage for us here in Australia, helping us to isolate cases as quickly as possible. Longer term, the surge in research and med-tech funding across 2020 is set to deliver incredible returns.
As a nation, I’m looking forward to seeing how we seize the many opportunities brought about by this wild virus. If we’re truly prepared to work together, to care for all members of society through a community-wide approach, our health, wellbeing and economy will enjoy worthy returns for years to come.
