Primary health care in India refers to the fundamental health care services provided at the community level to meet the basic health needs of individuals and communities. It encompasses a range of services, including health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. India's primary health care system includes a network of primary health centers, sub-centers, community health centers, and district hospitals.
The establishment of primary health centers in India dates back to 1952, aimed at addressing people's health needs and promoting a patient-centric approach. In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on strengthening the primary healthcare system in India to enhance access to quality healthcare services and reduce the disease burden in the population. This has been achieved through various initiatives, such as the National Health Mission, the Ayushman Bharat program, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).