Why palliative care is an essential function of primary health care

World Health Organization

07 Aug 2018

Why palliative care is an essential function of primary health care

"Why Palliative Care is an Essential Function of Primary Health Care" emphasizes that integrating palliative care into primary health care is crucial for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Palliative care addresses not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual suffering, making it an ethical responsibility of health systems. Strategies for integrating palliative care into primary health care, including policy development, training of healthcare providers, and ensuring access to essential medications are discussed.