Resources

The need for whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches to pandemic response has been reinforced by COVID-19. This has put the foundation of public-private healthcare relations to the test, either fostering or eroding trust. In many cases, the private sector has shown solidarity by delivering critical health services and products related to COVID-19. However, there have been instances of negative behavior. These have exacerbated the government's responsibility to "protect" the right to health, improve health security, and strengthen the healthcare system in order to provide universal health care. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong healthcare governance. This is beneficial to both the private and public sectors, as well as consumers, particularly those who are most likely to be left behind. This rapid review aims to determine why and where quick and proactive action has been taken to improve national COVID-19 response governance, as well as cross-country lessons on how to govern the private sector in health to maximize the COVID-19 response.