In some countries vehicles moves right side and in some left side, like wise doctors should both lock and unlock their stethoscope clockwise [दक्षिणावर्त] Definition of Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care as defined by the World Health Organization in 1978 is:
Essential health care; based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable method and technology; universally accessib
le to all in the community through their full participation; at an affordable cost; and geared toward self-reliance and self-determination (WHO & UNICEF, 1978). Primary health care shifts the emphasis of health care to the people themselves and their needs, reinforcing and strengthening their own capacity to shape their lives. Hospitals and primary health centres then become only one aspect of the system in which health care is provided. As a philosophy, primary health care is based on the overlap of mutuality, social justice and equality. As a strategy, primary health care focuses on individual and community strengths (assets) and opportunities for change (needs); maximizes the involvement of the community; includes all relevant sectors but avoids duplication of services; and uses only health technologies that are accessible, acceptable, affordable and appropriate. Primary health care needs to be delivered close to the people; thus, should rely on maximum use of both lay and professional health care practitioners and includes the following eight essential components:
1. education for the identification and prevention / control of prevailing health challenges
2. proper food supplies and nutrition; adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation
3. immunization against the major infectious diseases
5. prevention and control of locally endemic diseases
6. appropriate treatment of common diseases using appropriate technology
7. promotion of mental, emotional and spiritual health
8. provision of essential drugs (WHO & UNICEF, 1978). The greatest difference between primary care and primary health care is that
primary health care is fully participatory and as such involved the community in all aspects of health and its subsequent action (Anderson & MacFarlane, 2000; Wass, 2000; WHO 1999). Through integration of the concepts of empowerment, community-action and transformative learning, we will be able to learn how best to transform our present sick-cure medical system of primary care into a model of primary health care which reflects values and works with the community on opportunities for change (Ramsden et al, 2003). This shifting of emphasis away from dependence on health care practitioners and towards personal involvement; as well as, the need for more than improved health and medical services was again echoed in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO, 1986). Some fifty years after WHO defined primary health care, we have yet to fully integrate the vision into practice; thus, to work with or optimize primary health care as defined by the World Health Organization and mitigate or alleviate sub-optimal application of the principles is to understand that a coordinated approach to this complex, multi-faceted, inter-sectoral priority for transforming the health care system can only by explored through an interdisciplinary approach that engages all of the stakeholders in the process (individuals, communities, health care practitioners, decision-makers and policy makers).
