Which one of the following is NOT included in the elements of Primary Health Care (PHC) ?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Increasing the adaptation of the individual to his environment

Rationale:

Primary Health Care (PHC) is a comprehensive, community-based approach to health that focuses on providing essential health services to individuals and communities. It is guided by principles such as equity, accessibility, community participation, and intersectoral collaboration.
The elements of PHC were defined in the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) and include essential services that address the most critical health needs of populations. These elements aim to promote health, prevent illness, and provide treatment for common diseases and injuries.
The option "Increasing the adaptation of the individual to his environment" is not a recognized element of PHC. While adaptation to the environment may be a concept in other areas of public health or psychology, it is not explicitly included in the core elements of PHC.

Explanation of Other Options:

Provision of safe water and basic sanitation

Rationale: Access to safe water and adequate sanitation is a fundamental component of PHC. Clean water and sanitation reduce the burden of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally.
Efforts to improve water supply and sanitation form the basis of disease prevention and health promotion in communities.

Safe food supply and proper nutrition

Rationale: Proper nutrition and access to a safe food supply are critical for maintaining health and preventing malnutrition-related diseases. Malnutrition, whether undernutrition or overnutrition, significantly impacts individual and community health.
PHC emphasizes educating communities on balanced diets, food safety, and addressing nutritional deficiencies through programs such as supplementation or fortification.

Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries

Rationale: PHC focuses on ensuring that individuals have access to essential health services, including the treatment of common illnesses and injuries. This includes services for acute and chronic diseases, as well as first aid for injuries.
Providing basic healthcare services close to where people live is a cornerstone of PHC to reduce the burden on higher-level facilities.

Conclusion:

"Increasing the adaptation of the individual to his environment" is not part of the core elements of Primary Health Care as outlined in the Alma-Ata Declaration. The other options, including provision of safe water, proper nutrition, and appropriate treatment of common diseases, are essential components that reflect the holistic and preventive approach of PHC.