The positive impact on health of primary care resources is most notable in geographic areas that are socially inequitable. Thus, primary care reduces health disparities resulting from social inequity.

Conclusions

Both international comparisons and studies within countries document the beneficial impact of primary care on effectiveness (health outcomes), on efficiency (lower costs), and on equity of health outcomes (reducing disparities across population subgroups).

Health policy should be directed toward strengthening the primary care orientation of health systems.