The 'Alma-Ata Declaration' (1978) emphasized which of the following as the cornerstone of health for all by 2000?

• A Tertiary hospital-based care with specialist referral systems
• B Selective primary health care focusing only on cost-effective interventions
• C Primary Health Care (PHC) as essential to attaining health for all ✓
• D Universal health insurance as the mechanism for achieving health equity

Explanation

The Alma-Ata Declaration (WHO-UNICEF, 1978) proclaimed Primary Health Care (PHC) as the key to attaining 'Health for All by the Year 2000.' It defined PHC as essential healthcare based on practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable methods accessible to individuals, families, and communities at an affordable cost. The declaration was based on the concept that health is a fundamental human right and stressed multisectoral collaboration. 'Selective PHC' (focusing only on cost-effective child survival interventions like immunization, ORS) was a subsequent modification that actually diluted the comprehensive PHC vision.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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