Last update:
05-Dec-2022

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has spread rapidly into many countries, affecting millions of people worldwide and shaking up the provision of healthcare services. Although, internationally, primary health care (PHC) should be considered a pillar in the management of health emergencies, its role in tackling the current pandemic has not yet been clarified. The special responsibilities of PHC emerging directly from the COVID-19 pandemic include identification and early isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, aggressive tracking of their contacts, initial treatment according to guidelines and protocols, close and frequent monitoring of the condition of patients who are in home confinement, and vaccination of the population. PHC responsibilities that are not directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic include the management of patients with chronic diseases, treatment of other life-threatening health conditions, epidemiological surveillance of pre-existing infections, and continuation of preventive practices, such as screening tests for cancer. In order for the PHC system to cope with its crucial role in the effective management of the pandemic, it is necessary to have adequate funding, and full staffing with specialized and appropriately trained healthcare personnel. Assessment of the population health needs is a crucial activity of PHC, with emphasis on socially vulnerable groups, to ensure that the entire population has equal access to high quality, safe and efficient care services, not only during the current, but also in the event of future epidemics.

Key words: Epidemics, Health systems, Primary health care, Resilience, SARS-CoV-2.