What Is the Meaning of Primary Health Care?

Medical professionals provide primary health care.

Primary health care is the combination of health professionals, patients, and organizations working to provide medically sound, affordable and comprehensive health services. This approach views access to health care as a basic human right.

Function

Primary health care is the first contact with medical attention for most individuals. This form of care treats all basic and minor health problems and involves patient monitoring and follow-up exams. Primary health care physicians and facilities have the resources to put patients in contact with more specialized medical care if the need arises.

History

The International Conference on Primary Health Care of 1978 first defined the term "primary health care." The World Health Organization proposed that this approach to health care be used globally, although the acceptance of primary health care continues to be a gradual process. Primary health care policies are constantly updated and reformed to fit the needs of a country or community and its people.

Principles

The definition of primary health care as put forth by the World Health Organization includes requirements for collaboration with other sectors of community development, community self-reliance to keep programs running, and public education regarding common health problems and disease prevention methods.

References

• Disease Control Priorities Project: Primary Health Care
• World Health Organization: Declaration of Alma-Ata
• Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing: 2008-2009 Overview

Resources

• The World Health Organization: Home
• UN Chronicle: Primary Health Care Now More Than Ever
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Health Resources and Services Administration