Primary healthcare (PHC) is the foundation of the healthcare system: it is a level at which non-emergency, preventative health issues should be managed or resolved. The first level of contact of individuals, families and communities with the national health system is the primary health centre, so communities must be able to afford the cost of healthcare at these centres to avoid more serious and expensive tertiary healthcare in hospitals. Thus, it is also important that a country can afford to maintain primary health centres at every stage of development.

PHC is also the level at which health promotion and education efforts are undertaken, and where patients in need of more specialized services are connected with secondary care. Primary healthcare was established essentially to bring health closer to the people, in the community, and through their full participation.

Primary healthcare is meant to provide services to the majority of people based on need, without geographical, social or financial barriers.