Healthcare is delivering systematic and structured activities to prevent or cure Health related problems and promote good Health in Humans. Healthcare provides the means for living a Healthy, balanced life; means for prevention of disease and pain; and means for the treatment of diseases and other abnormal conditions of body where the person is not able to use his body for a healthy living.  

In essence, it is the application of the practical wisdom derived from a process of constant learning called Life, in an organised manner for the Benefit of the Individuals and the Cumulatively. 

Healthcare, as part of any National Health Policy comprises of all activities performed by all Organisation, Institutions or Individuals, through the application of Medical, Paramedical and Nursing Knowledge and Technology, collectively called “Body of Health Knowledge” for promoting Health and preventing Disease in the Nation (Country). 

Healthcare, as a body of knowledge has been evolving as human being evolved from ancient times. Whatever Healthcare knowledge was inherited had been applied in many forms by those who possessed it, irrespective of their profession or standing in the society. But generally, it has been the Elders in the society, who practiced it on their progeny. There were some social leaders who gradually became religious leaders, (or preachers), who spent more time in familiarising themselves with this knowledge and then practiced it as a profession. They were performing as equivalent of modern-day Medical Doctors or Physicians. Every generation of human beings has been enriching this knowledge and after centuries of this labour, today,- we have substantial body of knowledge that can not only heal but is able to preserve life. 

Healthcare has always been delivered using Nature and its various products, components, etc. All systems of medicine have emphasised not only practice of hygiene but also consumption of foods or interaction with substances available naturally. Almost all naturally occurring substances, animals and plants have been experimented with in this quest. 

The process of rendering Healthcare is always coupled with very systematic observations, analysis of these observations and integration of the results of such analysis. This is how the science of medicine has evolved. Various cultural practices have contributed in development and evolution of art of medicine (Practice of Medicine). 

Healthcare Provisioning has been influenced by Religious Beliefs of the Society, at all times. It is also not provided Universally but always in a graded manner and this provisioning is related to overall population density. In General, Men have received a higher share of Healthcare Services as compared to Women. In times of Wars, Natural Disasters and sometimes even during manmade disasters, Healthcare Services of specified nature are required and provided. Healthcare includes not only treatment and rehabilitation of sick but also Health Status Promotion, prevention of disease and palliation of serious illnesses. It is provided in conformity to needs and preferences of Patients, Families and Communities. 

Quality of Healthcare delivered can be measured and evaluated. 

If you want to read more, Please See the Next Part “Healthcare Ethics ” Post