Primary health care is a whole-of-society approach to effectively organise and strengthen national health systems to bring services for health and wellbeing closer to communities.
Primary health care enables health systems to support a person’s health needs from health promotion to disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care and more.
This strategy also ensures that health care is delivered in a way that is centered on people’s needs and respects their preferences.
Primary health care is widely regarded as the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way to achieve universal health coverage.
It is also key to strengthening the resilience of health systems to prepare for, respond to and recover from shocks and crises.
According to the Ministry of Heath, the government plays a critical role in PHC implementation by creating an enabling environment through laws, regulations of policies, and strategies and capacity building.
''Other roles include providing financial support, promoting awareness and education, offering health services and addressing social determinants of health," the Ministry says.
How are the health services classified in Kenya?
In Kenya, health services are classified into four levels: Community Health Services; Dispensary or Clinic; Health Centre and Hospital.
What is the role of communities in Primary Health Care?
Communities are essential partners in PHC. They participate in community dialogues, support community health promoters, seek care at the nearest health facility when sick and contribute to addressing social determinants of health.
"They also support the development of local health facilities and the delivery of services by health workers," the ministry explains on their website.
What are the PHC services packages available for Kenyans ?
Promotive: Includes consoling and health education and awareness
Preventive: Comprises primary, secondary and tertiary screening immunisation, chemoprophylaxis and adherence monitoring
Ambulance and emergency response Acute ambulatory care
This is the health care given to “walk in” stable patients.
Chronic diseases care:
Chronic diseases care: Palliative care–This will be given to patients with terminal illness.
Rehabilitative care: This will be given to persons with disability from any cause to improve the quality of their lives.
What are Primary Health Care Networks? (PCNs)?
Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) are systems that link facility-based health services to the community, fostering a seamless approach to healthcare delivery.
How are PCNS Managed?
Management of PCN starts at the house community dialogues and support the work of the community health promoters.
"Those who are ill should seek services at the nearest health facility where community health promoters may provide simple treatment when possible," the ministry says.
"Community Health Units should have leaders who address social determinants of health and supporting local health facilities and health workers," it adds.
For Primary Health Facilities (level 2 and Level 3) effective management is essential to provide quality health services to the community hold level with individuals and families gaining knowledge on self-care and maintaining healthy environments.