Exploring health system responses to COVID-19 in Bolivia: A qualitative study with the system leaders

Abstract Background Health system managers and policymakers played a crucial role in shaping response strategies, allocating resources, and guiding healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have explored their perspectives on the health system response. This study aimed to examine the health system response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cochabamba, Bolivia, from their viewpoint. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 10 health system managers and policymakers responsible for the pandemic response. Reflexive thematic analysis guided the identification, organization, and interpretation of themes within the data. Results The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified pre-existing vulnerabilities within the health system sectors. Political instability and centralized decision-making delayed the response, increased public unrest, and hindered resource mobilization. Fragmented governance structures and inadequate coordination between the public, private, and social security sectors further weakened the capacity of the system. Health services, already strained before the pandemic, faced critical shortages in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. Stay-at-home regulations, short-term staffing policies, and financial barriers exacerbated these challenges. However, innovations such as telemedicine and non-conventional care delivery helped mitigate gaps in service provision. Conclusions Our findings highlight how governance weaknesses, human resource limitations, and structural service delivery fragmentation constrain the health system ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening intersectoral coordination, improving workforce sustainability, and investing in future public health emergency preparation. Prioritizing flexible governance, equitable human resource allocation, and integrated service delivery to enhance system resilience. Key messages • We explore governance, human resources, and service delivery in Bolivia's COVID-19 response. • Using a qualitative approach produced insights into the responses of the Bolivian health system to the COVID-19 pandemic.