[PDF] The Effect of the Referral System on the Accessibility of Healthcare

What is the difference between primary care and secondary care?

Individuals can be directed from one primary care service to another, and from primary services into secondary and other health services, and back again. ‘Secondary care’ is medical care provided by a specialist or facility upon referral by a primary care physician (Merriam-Webster 2015).

What is a secondary level district hospital?

The secondary level district hospitals are a key part of the overall public health care system providing specialist care services in addition to primary care.

What are primary secondary and tertiary prevention strategies in public health?

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention Strategies in Public Health The public health sector’s long-standing mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of entire populations, to seek to prevent disease and injuries before they happen, and to mitigate health consequences once disease, injury, or disaster does strike.

What is primary health care?

Primary health care is typically a person’s first contact with the health system (Department of Health 2015f ), and broadly encompasses care that is not related to a hospital visit. It includes a range of activities, such as health promotion, prevention, early intervention, treatment of acute conditions, and management of chronic conditions.