All modern healthcare systems need to respond to the common
challenges posed by an aging population combined with a growing
number of patients with (complex) chronic conditions and rising patient
expectations. Countries with ‘stronger’ primary care systems (e.g. the
Netherlands and England) seem to be better prepared to address these
challenges than countries with ‘weaker’ primary care (e.g. USA). The role
of primary care in a health care system is strongly related to its organisation
and funding, thus determining the starting point and the possibilities
for change.