Primary health care (PHC) 
primery health care
Primary health care (PHC) is the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services, and it is the foundation of any healthcare system. It is the provision of basic healthcare services, including prevention, treatment, and management of common illnesses and injuries, as well as health education, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. PHC is essential in achieving universal health coverage and promoting health equity, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities.
PHC is delivered through a network of primary healthcare facilities, including community health centers, health posts, and clinics, which are often the first and sometimes only point of care for many people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These facilities are staffed by a range of health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers.
PHC focuses on promoting health and preventing illness, rather than just treating diseases. This is achieved through various strategies such as health education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and early detection and management of common health problems. PHC also includes maternal and child health services, family planning, immunization, and management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
The concept of PHC was first introduced in the Alma-Ata Declaration in 1978, which called for "health for all by the year 2000" and emphasized the importance of addressing the social determinants of health. The declaration recognized that access to healthcare is not just a matter of providing medical services, but also requires addressing underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health.
Over the years, the concept of PHC has evolved, and there have been efforts to strengthen its implementation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2018, the Astana Declaration reaffirmed the importance of PHC in achieving universal health coverage and called for greater investments in PHC to meet the changing health needs of populations.
Despite the significant progress made in PHC, there are still challenges to achieving its full potential. One of the major challenges is the shortage and maldistribution of health workers, particularly in rural and remote areas. This results in inadequate access to health services for many people, leading to poor health outcomes. There is also a need to improve the quality of PHC services to ensure that they meet the needs of populations and are evidence-based.
Furthermore, PHC is impacted by broader health system challenges, including inadequate financing, weak health information systems, and inadequate infrastructure and supplies. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach and collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector.
In conclusion, PHC is the foundation of any healthcare system and plays a critical role in promoting health, preventing illness, and achieving universal health coverage. It is essential to ensure that PHC services are accessible, equitable, and of high quality to meet the changing health needs of populations. This requires investments in strengthening health systems, addressing health workforce challenges, and improving the quality of PHC services. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health challenges, the importance of PHC has never been more evident, and it is essential to prioritize and invest in its implementation.