Some Concepts On Primary Health Care Somalia Residents May Be Interested In

By Joshua Bennett


Abbreviated as PHC, primary health care is more than just finding a cure to a disease. It brings together various sectors in the society with an aim of providing what is commonly termed universal healthcare. The idea is to integrate both curative and preventive measures in alleviating disease, not just in a single person but in the society as a whole. There are a number of essentials on primary health care Somalia residents may find worth knowing as they strive to benefit from better service provision.

One of the principles that govern PHC is equity in distribution. This means that health care should be provided in an equitable manner to all individuals in the society, regardless of their gender, age, societal class and race among others. In this regard there is a need to ensure that healthcare centers are put up in the whole country and are accessible to all.

PHC can only work efficiently if the community actively participates in it. Participation is usually in the form of attending health education sessions and putting into practice what is learned from the sessions. Education opportunities can be provided by local service providers. The local healthcare system can also collaborate with outside professionals to share knowledge in the community. One of the essential issues emphasized in such forums include keeping the environment clean. This means disposing of waste matter in appropriate places and clearing bushes around places where people live.

Another item that PHC emphasizes is the development of a skilled workforce in the healthcare system. The government and other related parties need to ensure that the system is adequately staffed with professionals. This includes but is not limited to physicians, surgeons, nurses and technicians. Adequate staffing promotes better service provision to the community at large.

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.

Clearly, the provision of PHC is not just the reserve of the health care system. Other disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, education and community organizations are equally of benefit. The agricultural sector, for example, works to ensure that all nutritious foods are readily available. The engineering department, on the other hand, works to ensure that roads are accessible and electricity is present in all the rural areas.

Selective PHC is a concept that has been developed over the years as countries struggle to achieve universality in health care provision. In this approach, set targets have to be specific as well as measurable. It is composed of crucial issues such as breastfeeding, planning of families, vaccination and growth monitoring in children.

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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