Primary Health Care: Definitions, Origins, Principles, and Levels in Global Health Systems

Health Care

The various services for the prevention or treatment of illness and injuries.

Primary Health Care (PHC)

It is about caring for people, rather than simply treating specific diseases or conditions.

Key Event

WHO-UNICEF held an international conference in 1978 at Alma-Ata (USSR).

Participants

Governments of 134 countries and many voluntary agencies.

Goal

The Alma-Ata conference called for acceptance of the WHO goal for Health for All (HFA) by the year 2000.

Method to Achieve HFA

Primary Health Care was proclaimed as the way to achieving Health for All.

The Alma-Ata Definition of PHC

"Primary health care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost the community & country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self determination."

Main Areas of Primary Health Care (PHC)

The core areas of PHC are: Empowered people and communities, Multisectoral policy and action, Primary care and essential public health functions as the core of integrated health services.

PHC Involvement (Related Sectors)

The Declaration of Alma-Ata states that PHC involves all related sectors and aspects of national & community development, in addition to the health sector.

Related Sectors

Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Food, Industry, Education, Housing, Public works, Communication, Others.

Levels of Health Care

Description of various levels of health care.

Primary Health Care

The 'first' level of contact between the individual and the health system.

Secondary Health Care

Deals with more complex problems.

Tertiary Health Care

Offers super-specialist care.

Principles of Primary Health Care

There are four main principles of Primary Health Care.

Equitable Distribution

Health services must be shared equally by all people, irrespective of their ability to pay.

Community Participation

Involvement of individuals, families, and communities in the promotion of their own health and welfare.

Intersectoral Coordination

Recognition that the components of PHC require collaboration beyond the health sector alone.

Appropriate Technology

Technology that is scientifically sound, adaptable to local needs, and acceptable to users.