Navigating turbulent waters: resilience and recovery of a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka during economic crisis through situational leadership.

Abstract

Sri Lanka has been going through its worst economic crisis ever since April 2022. The economic crisis had a significant impact on a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka (THS), and the main challenges faced included a severe shortage of medical supplies, a lack of funding, staff transportation issues due to a nationwide fuel shortage, a shortage of reagents, human resource issues due to the outmigration of hospital staff and a lack of a business continuity plan in place. This perspective article aimed to describe how the economic crisis affected a THS in Sri Lanka and how the hospital's administration overcame it by employing a leadership style similar to situational leadership. THS implemented situational leadership style, directing, coaching, supporting and delegating to effectively address the above challenges. The directing style strategies such as withholding renovation projects, purchasing drugs locally, hiring consultants, providing extra duty payments and prioritising resources were employed to guide the team through immediate challenges. The establishment of a crisis management committee served as a coaching approach. Enhancing communication among workers and implementing emotional support initiatives were key aspects of our supportive leadership, creating a positive work environment. We emphasised delegation, empowerment and teamwork, encouraging team members to take ownership of their roles and collaborate effectively. It is recommended that a business continuity plan to manage hospitals during an economic crisis be included. Medical supplies should be buffered in a larger hospital like THS for a minimum of 6 months. The government ought to enact new legislation and require applicants to sign bonds in order to retain healthcare professionals in the nation.