The Concept of PHC
The PHC concept incorporates certain fundamental values common to the overall process of development but with emphasis on their application in the field of health as follows:Health is fundamentally related to the availability & distribution of resources both health (doctors, nurses, PHCCs, drugs) & socio-economic (education, water, food).
PHC is concerned with the equitable distribution of these resources, with due consideration for those whose needs are greatest.
The Concept of PHC
• Health is an integral part of the overall development. The factors influencing health are therefore social, cultural, economic, biological & environmental.• The achievement of better health requires much more involvement by people (individuals, families & communities) in taking actions for adopting healthy behaviour & ensuring a healthy environment.
Four Cornerstones in primary health care
Active community participationIntra and Inter-sectoral linkages
Use of appropriate Technology
Support Mechanism made Available
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Primary Health Care - Benefits
PHC focuses on keeping people healthy & addressing illness early so as to increase probability of cure;
PHC is client focused;
Individuals have access to appropriate care;
Services are matched to community needs;
Targeted services will have a positive impact on the utilization of health and social services; &
Healthy communities with healthy people contribute to a vibrant & stable economy.
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New diseases such as AIDS, Old diseases such as tuberculosis, and changing patterns of disease from acute infections to chronic degenerative diseases all contribute to this threat.
The wider global threats of over-population, over-consumption, and climate change all contribute to uncertain future health.
more people live in poverty today than 20 years ago. The gap between rich & poor continues to widen.
Challenges
• 1.The development of a basic health infra-structure,
• 2.A competent two-way referral system between the various health service delivery levels,• 3.Development of human resources for health,
• 4. Incorporating the traditional medical system.
PHC approach is based on the following strategies
• Ensuring intersectoral cooperation,
• Empowering the community with health education,
• 7. Relevance of the programs to the community health problems,
• Cost-effectiveness.
PHC approach was based on the following strategies
Differences between Medical Care System and the PHC Approach
• No.• The Medical Care System
• The PHC Approach
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Curative concentrates on treatment, drugs, doctors, hospitals, auxiliaries and dispensaries
Vertical, i.e. separate from other government departments
Inter-sectored cooperation is a characteristic
Mainly preventive and promotive (water, sanitation, immunization, nutrition, health education)
Depends on improved technology and specializations
Treats sick individuals
Concerned with common conditions, at risk groups,
Helps healthy people to prevent sickness, also treats the sick
Differences between Medical Care System and the PHC Approach
• No.• The Medical Care System
• The PHC Approach
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Defines health as technology imported from outside
Discourages traditional medicine and ignores culture
Expensive, urban mainly and hospital based
Paid for by the central government
Patients are dependent on doctors, nurses, and health services
Auxiliaries are agents of health promotion, and have defined roles
Considers health promotion as a family and community activity
Encourages positive aspects of traditional medicine and culture
Less expensive, with equal urban and rural distribution
Partly supported by community self-reliance
Individuals and communities are more capable of looking after their own health
Auxiliaries may substitute doctors in certain situations (remote areas)