Principles of a district based primary health care?

Answer 1

Primary Health Care (PHC) and District Health System (DHS)

· It's ALL about getting PHC to the people - DHS is the platform to do that. · It is the vehicle through which PHC can offer its services to a specific population. · Core building block of the entire Health System · "The vision of DHS is that the people will experience seamless care from primary to tertiary level, and that they will access this care through integrated, comprehensive PHC services." · "A good or well-functioning health district is one in which the health services are geared up to meet the primary health care needs of the population." · Self contained segment of the National Health System · Well- defined part of the province with a population between 50 000-500 000. · Population living within a clear administrative and geographical area (urban/rural) · Must be a manageable size - small enough to allow people from different sectors to participate and work together. · Includes all institutions, facilities and individuals providing Health Care in the district i.e.) governmental, social security, non-government, private, traditional, community based health services or clinics. · Must provide a comprehensible, integrated and 1-stop service. · Only ONE health authority - the district health authority · Decisions about health care for that district is made up of that districts authority. · Communities have their own say over their own health care. · Local accountability to the community and its political representatives. · Every district is required to take responsibility for the management of its own health budget. · Bottom- up approach: more human face to approach, not giant empire that one has to face, can go to your local spot and talk about your issues and has your issues heard and implemented in your area. · Provides the health sector with a management framework that can define health care in a cost effective and integrated manner. · Equitable, effective and efficient health care of good quality · Sustainability of an acceptable standard of service and a secure financial base. · Brings health care services closer to the consumers · Synchronise with neighbouring health districts · Establish effective referral systems through co-operation among services in the district. · Contains a large variety of inter-related elements that contribute to health i.e.) home, schools, workplaces, communities, through health and other related sectors. · Intersectional collaboration with other relevant sectors, departments and disciplines. · Community involvement and participation in service delivery & management at local, district and provincial levels. · No gaps between districts àmust be contiguous (jigsaw puzzle) and coterminous (sharing similar boundaries) · Must be uniform and coherent àresponsiveness and meaningful community participation and to make sure the needs are met. · Must be user-friendly and courteous · Must see people as a 'whole' and not just as bits. (Mind, Body and Soul) · Must include District Hospital care. · Includes self-care