Public health system
Public Health System
The Public Health System (pronunciation: /ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ ˈsɪstəm/) is a complex network of entities that provide healthcare services to the public. It includes both governmental and non-governmental organizations, and is responsible for the overall health and well-being of the population.
Etymology
The term "public health" originated in the 19th century, as a response to the need for sanitary reform in rapidly growing industrialized cities. The term "system" is derived from the Latin word "systema", meaning a whole compounded of several parts or members.
Definition
The Public Health System refers to all public, private, and voluntary entities that contribute to the delivery of essential public health services within a jurisdiction. This concept ensures that all entities' contributions to the health and well-being of the community or state are recognized in assessing the provision of public health services.
Components
The Public Health System is composed of several key components, including:
- Public Health Agencies: These are government entities at the local, state, and federal level that are responsible for overseeing the health of the population. They provide a range of services, from disease prevention and control to health promotion and education.
- Healthcare Providers: These include hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who provide direct care to patients.
- Non-Profit Organizations: These organizations often focus on specific health issues or populations, and provide services, advocacy, and research.
- Private Sector: This includes businesses and industries that contribute to the health of the public through their products, services, or policies.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: The study of how disease spreads and can be controlled in populations.
- Health Promotion: The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health.
- Healthcare Policy: The decisions, plans, and actions that are undertaken to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society.
- Preventive Healthcare: Measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries rather than curing them or treating their symptoms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Public health system
- Wikipedia's article - Public health system
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