The Alma Ata Declaration (1978) defined 'Health for All by 2000' through Primary Health Care. Which of the following is NOT one of the eight essential elements of Primary Health Care as defined at Alma Ata?
- A Education concerning prevailing health problems and methods of preventing and controlling them
- B Provision of specialist tertiary care services for complex diseases ✓
- C Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition
- D Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries
Correct answer: B. Provision of specialist tertiary care services for complex diseases
Explanation
The eight essential elements of PHC per Alma Ata Declaration do not include specialist tertiary care. The eight components are: health education, food supply/nutrition promotion, safe water/sanitation, MCH including FP, immunization, prevention and control of endemic diseases, treatment of common diseases/injuries, and provision of essential drugs. Tertiary care is a higher referral function, not a PHC component.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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