Primary care

Every day, thousands of Canadians receive primary health care (PHC) services, usually from a nurse practitioner, general practitioner or family physician. Nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and social workers may also provide PHC.

This type of care typically involves routine care, care for urgent but minor or common health problems, mental health care, maternity and child care, psychosocial services, liaison with home care, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition counselling and end-of-life care. It is also an important source of chronic disease prevention and management. Many of these services can be provided as virtual care through the use of email, telephone, messaging and other technologies. Explore information on primary care, including indicators, data tables, reports and other key resources.