Abstract
Despite considerable rhetoric, comprehensive primary health care remains largely a matter of a paper exercise. The theory promotes horizontal and vertical integration and the active participation of people in planning. Experience in Australia and elsewhere indicates that what is in place in health services is often primary medical care: the management of the needs of presenting individuals. The arguments for upstream interventions remain valid, bolstered by research on the social determinants of health. Two examples are given of primary health care that attempt to work upstream, before clinical interventions become necessary and illustrate the need for both horizontal and vertical integration. Consequences for policy and training are drawn.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
