| Definition | Primary health care is the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services, emphasizing prevention, health promotion, and basic medical care. | Secondary health care involves specialized medical services provided by healthcare professionals with expertise in specific fields, often in response to a referral from primary care. |
| Focus | Emphasizes preventive care, health education, and the management of common health conditions, aiming to keep individuals healthy and address minor health issues. | Focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing complex or serious medical conditions that require specialized knowledge and technology. |
| Provider Types | Typically delivered by primary care providers such as general practitioners (GPs), family physicians, nurse practitioners, and community health workers. | Provided by specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, surgeons, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals with advanced training. |
| Services Provided | Includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, screenings, basic treatments for common illnesses, and health promotion and education. | Offers specialized diagnostic tests, surgeries, advanced medical treatments, hospital care, rehabilitation, and more. |
| Accessibility and Availability | Generally more accessible, with a focus on community-based clinics, general practitioners' offices, and local health centers, aiming for widespread availability. | Often less accessible, with services concentrated in hospitals, specialty clinics, and referral-based systems, which may require travel or specialized facilities. |
| Coordination of Care | Serves as the coordination hub for a person's healthcare journey, helping manage referrals to secondary and tertiary care when needed. | Receives referrals from primary care providers and coordinates care plans with various specialists and healthcare facilities. |
| Role in Healthcare System | Forms the foundation of a healthcare system, emphasizing early intervention, continuity of care, and the management of a wide range of health needs. | Plays a crucial role in addressing complex or severe health issues, providing expertise and advanced medical interventions when primary care is insufficient. |
| Cost | Typically involves lower costs for individuals, as primary care services are often covered by health insurance and focus on preventive measures. | Can involve higher costs due to the use of specialized equipment, facilities, and procedures, which may result in higher healthcare expenses for individuals. |
| Preventive Measures | Emphasizes preventive care, screenings, and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. | May involve preventive measures related to specific conditions but often deals with the diagnosis and treatment of existing health problems. |
| Examples | Examples include routine check-ups, vaccinations, family planning, basic primary care treatments, and health education. | Examples include cardiac surgeries, cancer treatments, advanced diagnostic imaging, organ transplants, and specialized rehabilitation programs. |
