Delivering non-communicable disease services through primary health care in selected south Asian countries: are health systems prepared?

ABSTRACT: In the south Asian region, delivering non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control services through existing primary health-care (PHC) facilities is urgently required yet currently challenging. As the first point of contact with the health-care system, PHC offers an ideal window for prevention and continuity of care over the life course, yet the implementation of PHC to address NCDs is insufficient. This review considers evidence from five south Asian countries to derive policy-relevant recommendations for designing integrated PHC systems that include NCD care. Findings reveal high political commitment but poor multisectoral engagement and health systems preparedness for tackling chronic diseases at the PHC level. There is a shortage of skilled human resources, requisite infrastru

SUBMITTER: Ahmed SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11413526 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature