Primary health care

Primary health care (PHC) is a healthcare approach that emphasizes the importance of health systems in providing comprehensive, universal, equitable, and affordable care for all individuals. It is the first level of contact for individuals within a health system and serves as the principal means of providing health care to communities.

Definition

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), primary health care is the essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology. It is universally accessible to individuals and families in the community and provided as close as possible to where people live and work.

Principles

Primary health care is based on several key principles:

• Comprehensive care: This principle emphasizes the need for a broad range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services.
• Universal coverage: Primary health care aims to ensure that all individuals have access to the health services they need.
• Community participation: This principle involves the active participation of individuals and communities in the planning and implementation of their health care.
• Intersectoral collaboration: This principle recognizes that health is influenced by factors outside the health sector and requires collaboration with other sectors.

History

The concept of primary health care was first introduced at the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, in 1978. The conference resulted in the Alma-Ata Declaration, which called for urgent action by all governments to protect and promote the health of all people.

Challenges

Despite its potential benefits, primary health care faces several challenges, including inadequate funding, shortage of health workers, and lack of political commitment.

See also

• Health system
• Public health
• Universal health care

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