Implementation of Primary Healthcare Services in Community Health Stations in Highly Urbanized City
Abstract
Primary healthcare is integral to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. A descriptive study assessed the implementation of primary healthcare services in community health stations through a researcher-made questionnaire among healthcare providers and beneficiaries of 30 community health stations. The results revealed that, as a whole, the implementation of primary healthcare services in community health stations is great, with maternal and child healthcare implemented to a very great extent while the treatment of non-communicable diseases to a great extent only. The major challenges encountered are the lack of medical drugs, supplies and equipment, and medical professionals. Primary healthcare has made contributions to the community's health improvement; however, challenges imply that the quality and efficiency of the services need improvement. The study contributed to new knowledge on implementing healthcare at the lowest level of government, emphasizing patient-centeredness.