A key principle in PHC is equity in distribution of services. This implies facilities and service should be made accessible in all areas based on how much a community can accommodate in terms of resources. It is discriminatory to provide services based on race, gender or the status of a person in society.
Community participation is necessary for PHC to work effectively. The community needs to be willing to receive education from within and without regarding how best they can stay healthy. Members of the community also need to ensure they keep their environment clean at all times. This means putting up pit latrines to be used as a means of disposing of human waste and any other that may harbor bacteria. There is also a need of clearing bushes around homes to avoid attracting mosquitoes, the cause of malaria in many tropical countries. These are just but a few examples of how the community can participate in achieving primary healthcare.
Developing the health workforce is another way in which healthcare can be made universal. Healthcare workers including nurses, doctors, laboratory technicians, physiotherapists, among others should be available in within a couple of kilometers of every village. This is to ensure that patients receive attention as soon as they need it. The concerned stakeholders (government and non-governmental organizations), therefore, need to train and employ more healthcare workers in a bid to achieve this.
In spite of advances in technology in science today, efficient health care provision may not be possible for some of these communities. This is mainly due to the absence of the necessary infrastructure. It should, however, be noted that for technology to be successful in a given healthcare setting, it needs to be fair in pricing for patients. The staff should also be able to handle the equipment with ease. In addition, most machines require electricity, which may not be available in remote villages.
Evidently, success in universal health care is dependent on multiple sectors and not just the healthcare sector. Some of these sectors include engineering, agriculture, societal organizations and the education sector. Agriculture, for instance, is crucial in providing food security for the community. The engineering technical unit serves to provide good roads and electricity where it is needed.
An important concept that has been developed over the past years is what is referred to as selective primary health care. In selective PHC, any goal that is set needs to be specific and something that can be measured. Some of the underlying healthcare issues addressed in selective PHC include family planning, growth monitoring, breastfeeding and immunization.
In summary, primary healthcare is important in achieving universal health. It is multidisciplinary concept that brings together various sectors in order to provide maximum effect. While it may take some time to reach its peak, PHC can eventually be realized as long as there is patience and the right attitude.
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