A formal structure for a defined population, whose finance, management, scope, and content is defined by law and regulations.
It provides for services to be delivered to people to contribute to their health and health care, delivered in defined settings (homes, educational institutions, workplaces, public places, communities, hospitals, and clinics) and that may affect the physical and psychosocial environment.
A health system is usually organized at various levels, starting with those most peripheral to the state government, known as the community or primary level. It may include district, regional, and central elements at a national level, as well as provision for international contact and service delivery.
Adapted from World Health Organization. Terminology. A glossary of technical terms on the economics and finance of health services. Internet. Accessed December 18, 2015.