Defining Primary Health Care

"The importance of primary health as being the foundation of a strong health service is widely accepted." (John Menadue, 2003)

• Primary Health Care Philosophy
  - holistic understanding of health
  - recognition of multiple determinants of health
  - community control over health services
  - health promotion and disease prevention
  - equity in health care
  - research-based methods
  - accessible, acceptable, affordable technology

• Primary Health Care Strategies
  - needs-based planning
  - decentralised management
  - education
  - intersectoral coordination and cooperation
  - balance between health promotion, prevention and treatment
  - multi-disciplinary health workers

• Primary Health Care Services
  - locally based
  - affordable and accessible
  - well integrated
  - health care teams
  - health promotion
  - disease prevention
  - illness treatment
  - rehabilitation services

Source: Centre for Health Equity Training, Research &Evaluation (CHETRE) 2003-2004