Healthcare is the system of services, people, and institutions that work to keep us healthy and treat us when we're sick or injured. Healthcare includes doctors who diagnose illnesses, nurses who care for patients, dentists who protect our teeth, and specialists like surgeons who perform operations. It also includes hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and all the equipment and medicine they use.

When you visit a pediatrician for a checkup or get a cast on a broken arm, you're receiving healthcare. Healthcare involves prevention too: vaccinations that protect you from diseases, advice about eating nutritious foods and exercising, and regular checkups to catch problems early.

In the United States, healthcare is provided through a mix of private doctors' offices, hospitals, and insurance companies that help pay for medical care. Other countries organize their healthcare systems differently, with governments playing larger or smaller roles in providing and paying for medical services.

The quality and cost of healthcare vary widely around the world and even within countries. Access to good healthcare can make an enormous difference in people's lives: whether a disease gets caught early, whether an injury heals properly, and how long and well people live. Healthcare systems face constant challenges in balancing quality care with affordability and making sure everyone can get the treatment they need.