Public healthcare

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare (pronunciation: /ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɛlθkɛər/) refers to the system where the government provides medical services and treatments to the population. This is usually funded through taxes or other public revenue.

Etymology

The term "public healthcare" is derived from the English words "public", meaning "of or concerning the people as a whole", and "healthcare", which refers to the organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.

Related Terms

• Healthcare system: A network of health facilities and providers that deliver health services to people. Public healthcare is a type of healthcare system.
• Universal healthcare: A system where all residents of a country have access to healthcare, regardless of their financial situation. Public healthcare is often used as a means to achieve universal healthcare.
• Primary care: The first point of contact for individuals with the health system. In a public healthcare system, primary care is often provided by government-run clinics or health centers.
• Public health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts of society. Public healthcare is a key component of public health.

See Also

• Health policy
• Healthcare reform
• National health insurance
• Socialized medicine

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