Background: Primary health care (PHC) plays a major role to ensure the basic right and equal distribution of the essential health
care services. This study presents comparative analyses of PHC in Korea and Uzbekistan, discusses the existing scenario and the
challenges, and provides recommendations.
Methods: This study reviewed secondary data from Korea’s National Statistical Information Service and the State Committee of the
Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistic, regulatory legislation, research reports, and policy papers by research and international institutions.
We focus on comparing input and outcome health data, PHC structure, and health expenditure.
Results: Overall health status of the population in Korea is better than in Uzbekistan; both countries achieved more than 95% immunization
coverage. The reforms implemented in both countries provide initial health care service delivery. However, there are
several challenges such as the distribution of the staff between urban and rural areas and interest of the graduates on specialization
rather than working in PHC system.
Conclusion: PHC plays an important role in the provision of medical services to the population, addressing both health and social
problems; it is the best tool for achieving universal coverage for basic health needs of the population. The community health practitioners
in Korea and nurses in Uzbekistan plays main role in universal coverage through providing essential health care services.
Continuous reform of the PHC system should be directed to strengthen the capacity of the PHC staff in health promotion knowledge
and activities as well as to encourage population to improve their own health.
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