13 main components of primary health carePRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) is the basis of medical and preventive services to the population and is implemented through scientific and practical socially acceptable methods and technologies. Learn about the 13 its components here.
As defined by WHO, primary health care is a public approach that links social epidemiology, primary medical treatment and is the basis for setting priorities for maintaining the population's health.
What is primary health care?
Primary health care (PHC) is the basis of medical and preventive services to the population and is implemented through scientific and practical socially acceptable methods and technologies.
The system of primary health care is the place of the first contact of a person with the medical institutions, the most massive form of servicing the general population and therefore should be as close as possible to the places of residence and work of people.
The primary health care system is developed in accordance with the specific conditions and needs of each country. PHC focuses on the needs of the local population (community) and includes therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitation services.
Components of primary health care are involved in coordinating the activities of other sectors of the economy that affect the development of agriculture, food industry, housing construction, communications, education, etc.
Components of primary health care in Nigeria
Elements of primary health care include the activities of clinical institutions, preventive and curative measures, the search for practical solutions to local health problems.
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The PHC model is based on the interaction of medical and epidemiological services, the precise identification of specific problems, the involvement of the population in solving health problems, and the availability of medical care. Let?s list 13 its most important parts:
1. Medical and epidemiological skills and services
2. Quality meds
3. Specific programs to solve local health problems
4. Continuity
In his professional activities, the doctor is not limited to a particular episode of the disease but is engaged in the protection of human health for significant periods of time.
5. Integration (coordination) of medical, preventive, and rehabilitation institutions
6. A broad approach to the health problem
It includes the factors of behavior, external and social relations.
7. The mobility of medical care
Sometimes the salvation of human life depends on only a few minutes, physicians should always be ready to come to the rescue.
8. PHC accessibility
This component of primary health care means the elimination of territorial, financial, social, and cultural obstacles.
9. Proper food and nutrition
Most health problems begin with low-quality food and contaminated water. It is important not only to cure but also to prevent diseases.
10. Education
Society must be aware of the most common diseases and be able to overcome them.
11. Compliance with the sanitary standards
12. Immunization
Getting the basic vaccine kit protects the citizens from the most dangerous infections.
13. Care for pregnant mothers and children
Childhood is a period of greatest vulnerability. Therefore, caring for babies has a prevalent significance. This approach provides global growth and prosperity for the next generations.
Primary health care (PHC) is an essential element of the new concept of public health. It's based on a quantitative assessment of various aspects of health problems and creating effective strategies to improve the situation.
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Source: Naija.ng
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13 main components of primary health care