Primary Health Care (PHC) is a holistic approach to health and well-being centered around the needs and preferences of individuals, families, and communities.
PHC acts as the first point of contact people have with the healthcare system and is designed to provide comprehensive, accessible, community-based care that meets the health needs of the population throughout their life.
Objectives of PHC
1. Universal Access and Coverage:
To ensure all individuals and communities have access to health services without suffering financial hardship.
2. Health Equity:
To address the underlying social determinants of health and bridge health disparities within and across communities.
3. Preventive Care:
To emphasize prevention, promotion, and education, rather than just providing treatment.
4. Appropriate Technology:
To use methods and technologies that are accessible, affordable, effective, and sustainable.
5. Community Participation:
To actively involve community members in planning and implementing health strategies, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of care.
Elements of PHC
Education: Concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of preventing and controlling them.
Nutritional Support: Including food supply and proper nutrition.
Water and Basic Sanitation: Provision of clean drinking water and waste disposal.
Maternal and Child Healthcare: Including family planning.
Immunization: Against the major infectious diseases.
Prevention and Control of Locally Endemic Diseases.
Appropriate Treatment of Common Diseases and Injuries.
Provision of Essential Drugs.
PHC Setup
The typical PHC setup involves a basic infrastructure that includes:
Outpatient Services for consultations and minor treatments.
Maternity and Childcare Units for prenatal, postnatal care, and immunization.
Laboratory Services for basic diagnostic tests.
Pharmacy stocked with essential medications.
Emergency Services for urgent care and stabilization before possible referral.
Principles of PHC
Equity: Ensuring that health care is available to all, particularly those in greatest need.
Access: Providing accessible care that is physically and financially feasible for all members of the community.
Intersectoral Coordination: Collaborating across sectors to address all factors influencing health.
Community Participation: Involving the community in all aspects of planning, implementation, and monitoring.
Staffing Pattern in PHC
The staffing at a PHC typically includes:
This table summarizes the typical roles and numbers of staff you might find in a PHC, designed to ensure comprehensive primary health coverage.
Functions of PHC
1. Preventive Services:
Conduct health education programs, vaccinations, and regular screenings to prevent diseases.
2. Curative Services:
Provide treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries, accessible at the community level.
3. Rehabilitative Services:
Offer support and therapies for patients to regain their health and functionality after illness or injury.
4. Maternal and Child Health Care:
Ensure comprehensive prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric care to support healthy family life cycles.
5. Health Promotion:
Engage in activities to promote better health practices and lifestyles among community members.
6. Integrated Management:
Coordinate with various health and non-health sectors to address all aspects affecting community health.
7. Referral Services:
Facilitate the referral process to secondary and tertiary care institutions when more specialized treatment is necessary.