Primary health care : economic implications in small island developing states

Abstract

The dissertation that is being proposed constitutes an important factor in any country, especially in Small Island Developing States; and this is Primary Health Care. The nature of having a good and sustainable Primary Health Care (PHC) is very important for the whole population in any country but since SIDS have a large amount of constraints due to their very nature, one has to see what economic implications can be found in SIDS. 1.1 Definition of PHC What is Primary Health Care? "Primary Health Care is essential health care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and a cost that the community and the country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self reliance and self-determination .......... .It is the first level of contact of individuals, the family and community with the national health system bringing health care as close as possible to where the people live and work, and constitutes the first element of a continuing health care process."