Primary Health Care
We are guided by the principles of Primary Health Care which is an integral part both of the country’s health system, of which it is the central function and main focus, and of the overall social and economic development of the community. It is the first level of contact of individuals, the family and the community with the national health system bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work, and constitutes the first element of a continuing health process.
The WHO health systems building blocks
A health system consists of all organizations, people and actions whose primary interest is to promote, restore or maintain health. This can be analysed in its totality by using different groups or blocks. The six building blocks are enumerated below.
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Health financing
A good health financing system raises adequate funds for needed health services ensuring adequate utilization and protection from impoverishment associated with health care costs.
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Medical products and technologies
A well-functioning health system must ensure quality, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of different kinds of medical products and technologies.
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Health workforce
Health workforce includes all human resources directly responsible for promoting, restoring and maintaining health both in the formal or informal sectors.
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Health service delivery
Delivery of health services must be efficient, safe, and cost-effective taking into consideration human rights, gender and environmental concerns.
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Health information
This system ensures the production, analysis, dissemination and use of reliable and timely information on health determinants, systems performance and health status.
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Health leadership/governance
Governance must ensure that strategic policy frameworks exist and are combined with effective management, partnerships, the policies, system design, and accountability.
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Cross cutting issues & other programmes