 This commentary examines the role of primary health care, PHC, in reducing noncommunicable diseases and CDs. It emphasizes the need to go beyond the health care system and focus on the social determinants of health in order to achieve health equity. The commentary also stresses the importance of a wider biopsychosocial approach to health, acknowledging the influence of social determinants of health and inequities in health. Universal access to care and public funding are essential, but regulations must be put in place to ensure equitable access in practice. An example of a PHC reform in Sweden demonstrates how introducing market solutions into a publicly funded PHC system can have negative consequences for those with greater needs and can reduce the impact of PHC on population health. This article was authored by Bo Birstrom.