Shortage of Healthcare Facilities during COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak

PURPOSE: This paper aims to examine the influence of pandemics on the construction industry and explores different structural systems that could be adopted to facilitate fast construction during pandemic. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The design of the paper follows an introductory section including a literature review of the difficulties related to shortage of healthcare facilities during pandemics and the different possible structural systems that can be adopted. The methodology was listed considering the various possible structural systems. Parameters affecting choices are laid considering economic factors and time limitations. FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, including a lack of suitable facilities to accommodate the increased surge in patients. Having a system to decide an accommodation plan for such eventualities is needed; it should understand the pros and cons of each structural system that could be adopted for new healthcare facilities. ORIGINALITY/VALUE OF THE PAPER: The paper's originality stems from considering an humanitarian issue from a practical point of view, considering implications on the construction industry. The research discusses the suitable structural systems while considering accommodating medical requirements in healthcare facilities. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The paper paves the way for a comprehensive decision support system that can help in choosing the optimum structural system for a new healthcare facility based on a limited budget and time constrictions.