Healthcare is the maintenance or improvement of health through the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases and impairments. As of 2026, the sector is defined by a shift toward proactive wellness, the integration of artificial intelligence, and significant inflationary pressures.
Core Levels of Care
Healthcare is typically delivered through three primary stages:
Primary Care: The first point of contact, often provided by a general practitioner (GP) for routine checkups and common chronic illnesses.
Secondary Care: Specialized medical services provided upon referral, such as oncology for cancer treatment or medical imaging.
Tertiary Care: Highly specialized consultative care, typically for inpatients, including complex surgeries like neurosurgery or advanced neonatology