Challenges and Responses of Uzbekistan During COVID-19

Abstract

Like the rest of the world, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic showed an unprecedented impact on healthcare system and economy of Uzbekistan. Due to lack of resources, stalled organizational agility and highly bureaucratic decision making, the healthcare system of Uzbekistan did not perform optimally. From the top to the bottom decision-making and path dependent strategies were adopted that were ineffective due to volatile and uncertain nature of pandemic. The whole system collapsed because of lack of beds, medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. The Uzbek government needs strategic plans to keep a fine balance between the economic recovery and spending on deteriorating healthcare system. Unlike many Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries Uzbekistan didn't deny the existence of COVID-19 in the country. However lack of transparency in data dissemination creates doubts of the intent and accuracy of the information. Uzbekistan would have to apply medium and long-term initiatives and foreign assistance to strengthen the macroeconomic structure and to fight with the inflation and unemployment.