primary health care

Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental approach to healthcare that aims to provide universal and equitable access to essential healthcare services. It is based on the principles of accessibility, affordability, comprehensiveness, and community participation.

PHC is focused on providing preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services to individuals and communities. It addresses a range of health needs, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and other health concerns.

One of the key principles of PHC is accessibility, which means that healthcare services should be available to everyone, regardless of their location, income, or social status. This is achieved through the establishment of healthcare facilities in communities and the provision of mobile healthcare services to remote and underserved areas.

PHC is also designed to be affordable, with healthcare services provided at a cost that is affordable to individuals and families. This is achieved through a range of financing mechanisms, including government funding, private insurance, and community-based health financing schemes.

Comprehensiveness is another important principle of PHC, which means that healthcare services should be comprehensive and address the full range of health needs of individuals and communities. This includes addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and environmental factors.

Community participation is also a key principle of PHC, which means that individuals and communities should be involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare services. This promotes a sense of ownership and accountability, and ensures that healthcare services are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

PHC is delivered through a range of healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, midwives, community health workers, and other healthcare professionals. These providers work together to provide a coordinated and comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the full range of health needs of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, primary health care is a fundamental approach to healthcare that aims to provide universal and equitable access to essential healthcare services. Based on the principles of accessibility, affordability, comprehensiveness, and community participation, PHC addresses a range of health needs and is delivered through a range of healthcare providers. Through its focus on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services, PHC plays a key role in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.