Policy statement: Primary health care

World Physiotherapy advocates for the provision of

Primary health care: The first level of contact of individuals, the family and community with a nation’s health system bringing health services as close as possible to where people live and work, and constitutes the first element of a continuing health service process. It is an essential health service based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community.

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that is sensitive to local cultural, socio-economic, and political circumstances and provides equitable access to effective services. Individuals, their carers and communities must have access to primary

Health: 'Health' is defined in the WHO constitution of 1948 as a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

See also Health promotion

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care services if health services are to be responsive to their needs.