Primary Healthcare

Primary Healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of public health systems and serves as the first point of contact for individuals, families, and communities within the healthcare system. It provides accessible, comprehensive, and continuous care that includes health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative services. Primary healthcare emphasizes a people-centered approach, addressing health needs across the life course while considering social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. In public health, strong primary healthcare systems improve early detection of diseases, reduce hospitalizations, and promote equitable access to essential services, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations. PHC relies on multidisciplinary teams, community participation, and integrated referral systems to ensure coordinated care. It also plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions, delivering immunization and maternal-child health services, and responding to public health emergencies. By strengthening primary healthcare, health systems can achieve better health outcomes, cost-effective care, and progress toward universal health coverage.