The Alma Ata Declaration (1978) defined Primary Health Care (PHC). Which of the following is NOT one of the eight essential components listed in the Declaration?
- A Education concerning prevailing health problems and methods for prevention and control
- B Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition
- C Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases
- D Provision of specialist surgical services at first-contact care level ✓
Explanation
The eight components of PHC as per Alma Ata 1978 are: (1) Education on health problems and prevention; (2) Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition; (3) Adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation; (4) Maternal and child health care including family planning; (5) Immunization against major infectious diseases; (6) Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases; (7) Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries; (8) Provision of essential drugs. Specialist surgical services are NOT one of the original eight components — PHC is defined at the first-contact level with referral mechanisms to higher care. This reflects PHC's emphasis on accessible, affordable, community-based care.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.