What are public health systems?

• A. Only government agencies.
• B. Hospitals and clinics only.
• C. Private health insurers.
• D. All governmental and nongovernmental organizations and agencies that contribute to improvement of the health of populations.

Answer: (D)

Public health systems are the networks of organizations and actions that work together to improve the health of communities, not just treat individual patients. This includes government agencies at local, regional, and national levels, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, hospitals and clinics, private insurers, foundations, universities, and international bodies, all contributing to prevention, health promotion, surveillance, policy, and equity. Because it recognizes the collective effort across many stakeholders, the description that notes all governmental and nongovernmental organizations and agencies contributing to population health best captures the concept. Limiting to only government agencies, or only to hospitals and clinics, or to private insurers misses other essential partners and the broader public health mission.