Primary Health Care (PHC)
Definition
- It aims to provide basic, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to all individuals, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Focus Points
- Comprehensive Approach
- Primary health care in India provides a wide array of services such as maternal and child health, immunizations, communicable and non-communicable disease management, family planning, and nutrition programs.
- For example – Universal Immunization Program (UIP)
- Access to Health Care
- Ensure equitable access to essential health services for all, particularly for the marginalized and rural populations.
- Example: The Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) initiative.
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- PHC promotes health education and preventive measures to address the root causes of ill health.
- Example: The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) under the National Health Mission (NHM) encourages institutional deliveries by providing financial incentives, thus reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Community-Based Health Services
- The delivery of primary health care in India often involves community health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in connecting rural populations with health services.
- Preventive and Promotive Health Services
- The emphasis is on preventive care, including immunisation, health screenings, and sanitation.
- Example: Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Affordability
- Primary healthcare services are usually provided either free or at very low cost, making healthcare affordable for low-income populations.
- Referral Systems
- PHC centres act as the first point of contact for patients. If a health issue requires more specialized care, they refer patients to secondary or tertiary care facilities.
Challenges
- Infrastructure Gaps: Many primary healthcare centers, especially in rural areas, are poorly equipped and understaffed, with shortages of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel.
- Resource Constraints: Budgetary allocations for healthcare are relatively low in India, leading to a lack of resources for improving primary care facilities.
- Quality of Care: The quality of services provided at PHCs can vary significantly. Many facilities lack the necessary equipment, and healthcare workers may have limited training or resources.
- Access in Remote Areas: Despite efforts, rural and remote populations often struggle to access healthcare due to poor infrastructure, geographic barriers, and shortages of medical personnel.
- Overburdened Staff: The existing healthcare workforce at the primary level, such as ASHAs and ANMs, is often overburdened, affecting the quality of service delivery.