Primary health care is a collective term for the health services that are readily available in a local community. These services are usually found in health centers established by the government which serve as the focal point of consultation for all kinds of patients. General practitioners or local community doctors and health care professionals provide basic health care needs to the residents of the community, including general consultations and treatments as well as recommendations for secondary care.
Scope
Primary care covers the widest scope of health care services. People suffering from slight ailments can visit health centers to have themselves checked before seeing a specialist; others can just drop by to have their vital signs checked so they can maintain optimal health. Pregnant women and lactating mothers can also go to health centers for regular natal check-ups, and babies can be brought in to receive required vitamins and vaccines.
Goal
The main goal of primary health care is maintain continuous health service to the residents of a community, particularly in areas where there is no nearby hospital. Health centers also provide a more affordable means of medical care, as consultations and other services are given at well adjusted fees, as are medications for certain illnesses. Primary health care provides services to persons of all ages, regardless of race, sexual orientation or geographic origins.
Treatments and Facilities
Primary health care services can usually provide treatments and maintenance medications to persons suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, asthma, COPD, depression and anxiety, back pain, thyroid dysfunction and arthritis. Some primary care centers provide pregnancy consultations and are equipped with clinics to accommodate special medical emergencies such as pregnancy problems.
Clientele
Primary health care services are situated in areas with populations in the low-income bracket, the uninsured and those who have limited English proficiency. Persons who benefit most from health care centers are migrants, seasonal workers, homeless families and those living in public housing.
Governance
Primary health care centers are run and managed by a community board whose majority consists of health center patients from the serviced population. The board ensures not only that basic and comprehensive health care services are available, but that the necessary support services are available as well, including transportation, education and language translation for patients who are not fluent in English.
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