[Primary health care].

Abstract

Primary health care (PHC) is regarded as the first element of a continuing health care process. It acts as a bridge between community and national health system. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Alma-Ata declaration of 1978, primary health care is defined as, ‘Essential health care 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 [1]. Primary health care should be the central focus of a health care system. Prevention and development of complication of several diseases can be achieved if proper primary care can be provided. Therefore, it should be readily available and easily accessible to all individuals, irrespective to gender, age, caste, color, urban or rural location and social class [2].