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Table 3 Primary care models defined in Iraq’s Basic Health Services Package (BHSP)

From: Primary care in an unstable security, humanitarian, economic and political context: the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

PHC Main Center (Category A)

Catchment area: 10,000–30,000

Comprehensive PHC center, staffed by doctors, nurses, midwives and laboratory and pharmacy technicians. PHC main centres provide a wide range of preventive and curative services related to maternal & child health care, immunization, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, emergency care, general dentistry, laboratory services, and essential medicines.

PHC Main Center (Category B)

10,000–30,000

Same as Category A above, with the addition of a training facility. Staffed by doctors, nurses,midwives and laboratory and pharmacy technicians.

PHC Main Center (Category C)

10,000–45,000

Same as Category A, with the addition of uncomplicated emergency and obstetric care. Staffed by doctors, nurses, midwives and laboratory and pharmacy technicians.

PHC Sub-Centers (Type D)

5000–10,000

Not staffed by physicians; only trained health workers (nurses or paramedics, and a vaccinator). Services offered include preventive and basic curative services, simple diagnostic procedures and maternal & child health services.

Community Health Houses (CHHs)

Staffed by community health workers offering simple public health functions, micronutrient supplementation, vaccination support and referrals.