PHC is described as “essential healthcare based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology, made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination.” by the World Health Organization (WHO).
PHC is essential for improving health outcomes, promoting health equity, and minimizing health disparities. By guaranteeing that everyone has access to necessary medical care without facing financial hardship, it is crucial to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
PHC is crucial for a number of reasons. First off, it offers a wide range of medical services, such as preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care. This implies that people can get the care they require regardless of their state of health or condition.
Second, PHC is economical. Providing specialized care at higher levels of the healthcare system is frequently more expensive than preventing and treating health issues at the primary level. Chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are examples of this.
Thirdly, PHC is grounded on the community and patient-focused. It targets the root causes of illness and disease, such as poverty, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities, while also taking into account the social determinants of health. Communities and patients are actively involved in PHC decision-making and healthcare delivery. Hospital Types & Categories
1. General hospitals: These are the most prevalent kind of hospitals and offer a variety of medical services, such as surgery, emergency care, and medical therapy.
3. Teaching hospitals: These facilities, which are connected to medical schools, offer instruction and training to healthcare professionals including residents and medical students.
5. Long-term Care Hospitals: These facilities care for patients who need to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time, including those who have terminal or chronic illnesses.
PHC, which emphasizes prevention, early identification, and treatment of common health issues, is a crucial part of the healthcare system. It is provided by a group of medical experts and is crucial to achieving universal health coverage. In addition, there are various hospital types, each with special qualities and purposes. Making educated selections concerning one’s healthcare need might be facilitated by being aware of the variations across different hospitals.