Primary Health Care Overview

Primary Health Care (PHC)

• Emphasizes a whole-of-society approach to enhance health systems and distribute well-being equitably.
• Integrates primary care with essential public health functions to form a core element of health services.
• Utilizes multisectoral policies and actions to strengthen health initiatives.
• Encourages empowerment of individuals and communities to participate actively in their health.

Primary Care Characteristics

• Central to the services aspect of PHC, differing from its broad societal approach.
• First contact access ensures individuals have a point of entry into the health system.
• Continuity of care supports ongoing patient-provider relationships and follow-ups.
• Comprehensiveness guarantees a wide range of health services addressing various needs.
• Coordination facilitates seamless transitions between different care providers and settings.

Declaration of Alma-Ata (1978)

• Established fundamental principles for PHC including:

  • Emphasis on human rights and social justice within health initiatives.
  • Commitment to equity, solidarity, and evidence-based, community-oriented care.
  • Promotion of self-determination and active participation in health governance, alongside intersectoral collaboration.

• Defined operationally, primary care was recognized as the foundational, accessible, and coordinated level of health services for individuals, families, and communities.

• Initial principles of PHC faced neglect post-declaration, reducing the focus on broader community health strategies to a narrow service delivery model centered on primary care.