Management for Primary Health Care

Abstract

This paper is about the implementation of primary health care and particularly about the role of management in this approach to health care. Just as the organisation for primary health care has a very different 'look' from that of conventional health care systems so does its management. One of the reasons for this is the strong commitment in primary health care to community participation which grounds it solidly in the people whose health is at stake. Best practice in management for primary health care is about shared management, strong organisation with shared meanings, and the making of strategic alliances. The discussion focuses on some of the skills needed by a primary health care manager, and the effective use of these skills for the primary health care organisation. There is no doubt that the role of the manager in the implementation and maintenance of primary health care is critical to achieving best practice in this approach to health care.