Translating Policy to Practice in the Control and Prevention of Covid-19 : Case Study of Chumpae Municipality

Abstract

          This research had the following objectives: (1) To study the translation of policy to practice in the control and prevention of Covid-19 by conducting a case study of Chumphae Municipality; and (2) To study the problems and obstacles in containment of Covid-19 in Chumphae Municipality. This was a qualitative research study, with information collected by a literature review, and in-depth interviews with key informants. The ten key informants include administrative experts, persons responsible for implementing policy, heads of relevant sections of the Municipality, and persons receiving directives for implementation of Covid-19 control and prevention. The qualitative data were processed by content analysis methods.
          This study had the following findings:  The Chumphae Municipality used a process of translating policy into practice that had success according to the conceptual framework of the policy in the following dimensions: (1) Structure; (2) Personnel; (3) Budget; (4) Site; and (5) Equipment and supplies.   However, there were two areas in which there were problems and obstacles to implementation. First, the Municipality has a top-down administrative structure. That has the effect of delaying adaptations or adjustments on the frontlines if the situation changes abruptly. The second shortcoming was a shortage of health personnel with certain specialties.