Insights into the morbidity profiles of epidemiologically excluded COVID-19 patients in primary care settings during the third wave of the pandemic in the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

The pandemic has led to a shift in primary care morbidity profiles, with a higher incidence of dermatological and respiratory diseases and NCDs among healthcare seekers. Patients sought care from the state and private sector differently depending on age, sex, and nature of illness. Primary care services must prepare to adapt to changes in healthcare-seeking patterns and morbidity profiles during pandemics to ensure comprehensive care is available on demand.