The three essential, interrelated pillars for primary health care are: first, empowered people and engaged communities; second, multisectoral and intersectoral action for health; and third, health services that deliver both high-quality primary care and essential public health functions (WHO. A vision for primary health care in the 21st century. 2018). Achieving the goal of healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages requires systematic and coherent evidence-based actions to reinforce primary health care, emphasizing equity, efficiency and quality (1). Quality of care has been defined as the “degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge” (2). While many quality elements have been described over decades, there is “growing acknowledgement that quality health services across the world should be effective, safe and people-centred. In addition, in order to realize the benefits of quality health care, health services should be timely, equitable, integrated and efficient” (3). Primary care research has highlighted six characteristics of high-performing primary care systems. These include primary care systems that act as people’s first contact and that are comprehensive, coordinated, people-centred, continuous and accessible (4). The characteristics ascribed to high-quality primary care systems are mutually reinforcing…more