Review article

https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2024_316197

Public Health and Primary Health Care: Opportunities and Challenges

Goran Slivšek orcid.org/0000-0002-7978-739X ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia *
Ksenija Vitale ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Tatjana Škarić-Jurić ; Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Public health and primary health care are two vital components of the sustainability of healthcare systems. Although their collaboration is crucial, their integration remains a major challenge for many countries worldwide. Public health primarily aims to prevent diseases and injuries at the population level, while primary health care provides basic healthcare system services to individuals, with health promotion at the very core of both. Although it is difficult today to draw clear boundaries between public health and primary health care, as there is much overlap, there is an obvious gap between them. The path to successful collaboration between public health and primary health care requires an understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, communication and coordination strategies, and the development of shared goals and values, and only through such successful collaboration is it possible to achieve their integration. By leveraging their respective strengths and working together, public health and primary health care can optimise resource utilisation, enhance health outcomes, and foster health equity, ultimately leading to universal health coverage, which is the first path to sustainability. One key connecting element between public health and primary health care is disease prevention, which can serve as their bridge. Through collaborative efforts, these fields can develop comprehensive strategies to address the social determinants of health, promote healthy behaviours, and ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare system services. By adopting an integrated approach, this collaborative effort can enhance health outcomes, mitigate disease burdens, and advances health equity for both the population and individuals.

Keywords

delivery of health care; global health; health policy; primary health care; public health; universal health insurance

Hrčak ID:

316197

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/316197

Publication date:

1.6.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 815 *