What it means
A broad idea of health care, promoted by the World Health Organization, that is close to where people live and work, affordable, and covers health promotion, prevention, treatment of common illnesses and coordination of other care. It includes primary care clinics, community health services and school health. Strong primary health care improves the health of whole populations.
At a glance
| Also written | primary health-care |
|---|
Related terms
health promotion
Helping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
primary care
Everyday, first-contact health care for checkups, prevention and common health problems.
primary prevention
Actions taken to stop a disease or injury from happening in the first place.