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Box 1.2

Defining “primary healthcare”

Primary healthcare is a healthcare service field that has been consistently
touted as necessary for equitable healthcare system development. PHC has
been growing in almost all health systems, often due to its low
implementation cost and comprehensiveness in scope of services. Its roots
in a commitment to social justice, equity, and participation of individuals and
communities positions PHC as a meaningful investment for a health financing
transition to address populational health more holistically.

Figure 1.1
Components of primary healthcare

Multisectoral & communities
policy & action

Empowered people
HEALTH &
WELL-BEING

Primary care & essential public
health functions as the core of
integrated health services

PHC components:

1. Primary care and essential public health functions: PHC
provides for people’s health needs through promotive, protective,
preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care at different stages of
life. Key healthcare services for individuals and families are prioritised
through essential public health functions. PHC is the first point of
care and is crucial in maintaining one’s health via preventive, diagnostic,
and curative/treatment services. These services are collectively termed
“primary care”.

2. Multisectoral policy and action: PHC should aim to use policy and
collective action to address the broader determinants of health that impact
individuals and communities. Such determinants include social, economic,
and environmental factors as well as individual characteristics and
behaviours.

3. Empowered people and communities: PHC should empower
individuals and communities to advocate for policies and actions that
improve and protect health and well-being. This can take form through
new health and social services, and programmes designed for individuals
as self-carers and caregivers.

Note: Image adopted from WHO & UNICEF, 2018
Source: WHO & UNICEF, 2018

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