Question

Which of the following is the entry point into the health system in India?

• A. Primary care
• B. Secondary care
• C. Tertiary care
• D. Quaternary care

Hint:

Think of the health system as a funnel. The wide opening at the top where everyone enters is Primary Care. As care needs become more complex, patients are referred down the funnel to the narrower, more specialized Secondary and Tertiary levels.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define the structure of the health system. Step 1: The health system is structured in tiers to manage patient flow and resource allocation.

Primary care is the first level of contact for individuals and families with the health system. In India, this includes Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and urban PHCs.
Secondary care is where patients are referred from primary care for more specialized treatment. This includes Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals.
Tertiary care is highly specialized care, typically at regional or national hospitals and medical colleges.
Step 2: Identify the "entry point".
Step 2: The designated "entry point" for the vast majority of the population is the primary care level. It is designed to be accessible and provide comprehensive basic health services, acting as a gatekeeper to the rest of the system.