Delivery of essential surgery by family physicians

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO), major global health funders and health-care organizations all regard primary health care as the cornerstone of universal health coverage (UHC). As it is based on the principle of equity, primary health care favours an approach to social and health policy development and implementation that prioritizes the collective and coordinated efforts of individuals, communities and stakeholders across all sectors.^1,2 Primary care, an important element of primary health care, provides the foundations for a robust health-care system by delivering integrated health services that act as the first point of contact and that are continuous, comprehensive and coordinated – all characteristics known to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction and to reduce costs.^3–6 Moreover, in low- and middle-income countries, extensive coverage of primary health care has been associated with better population health.⁷ Consequently, strengthening primary health care and incorporating its core principles and components into health systems (including primary care) are essential steps towards achieving UHC globally….more