Role of MOH as a grassroots public health manager in preparedness and response for COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka

Pandemic transmission of COVID-19 virus warranted activation of public health responses in all countries. Public health unit system of Sri Lanka (also known as the Medical Officer of Health unit system) managed by a medical doctor with special training in public health, the Medical officer of Health (MOH), with a team of grassroots field staff who are well aware of the community and supported by a network of infrastructure. The aim of the study was to describe the managerial role of the MOH as a grassroots public health manager in the preparedness and response for COVID-19 pandemic. The research team studied the key documents communicated to MOH by the national authorities. The study revealed, national level authorities used the MOH to implement COVID-19 control and preventive decisions through their technical and managerial directives. MOH unit earned trustworthiness in the community due to their deep-rooted ground level operations. Further, MOH system possess deep understanding and extensive connectivity with the community. Therefore, implementation of rigid prevention and control measures was well facilitated within the assigned geographical public health unit area.