Definition of the word primary care

The term "primary care" initially emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, originating from the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of their primary health care (PHC) approach. PHC focuses on preventive and curative health care services that are delivered closest to the community, with the aim of promoting health, preventing diseases, and managing chronic conditions. Primary care, on the other hand, refers to the first point of contact between an individual and the health care system, provided by generalist physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care providers who are trained to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to a diverse range of patients. Primary care can be provided in various settings, such as medical clinics, community health centers, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The WHO recognized the importance of primary care as a vital component of the overall health care system, fostering the primary health care approach as a strategy to achieve universal health coverage. This approach emphasizes the importance of primary care as a critical means of addressing the health, social, and economic determinants of health by offering accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate care. In summary, primary care emerged as a key component of the WHO's primary health care approach, signifying the first and most accessible level of care provided to individuals by generalist health care providers in diverse settings as part of an overall strategy to promote health and manage chronic conditions.