Health promotion Illness prevention

Primary health care refers to a health systems policy and approach to service delivery, which was formalised in the Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978 and was subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN). There is no universally accepted definition of the term primary health care, however the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute provides a meaningful definition that incorporates both of the above documents [1]. The APHCRI defines primary health care as: Socially appropriate, universally accessible, scientifically sound first level care provided by a suitably trained workforce supported by integrated referral systems and in a way that gives priority to those in most need, maximises community and individual self-reliance and participation and involves collaboration with other sectors. It includes the following