Policy stringency during the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare services utilization in China: An interrupted time-series analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic and Zero-COVID policies were associated with substantial and enduring disruptions to healthcare utilization in China, characterized by slow recovery and regional disparities in access. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening healthcare systems to enhance resilience and better balance public health interventions with the maintenance of essential healthcare services in anticipation of future public health crises. Continued targeted efforts are needed to address the delayed recovery, particularly in regions with already strained healthcare infrastructure, and to ensure equitable healthcare access across the country.