That the world faces an epidemic of chronic diseases is unmistakable. Chronic diseases represent 63% of all deaths worldwide. Against the background of demographic aging, the prevalence of comorbidity or multi-morbidity is as high as 60% among individuals aged 55 to 74 years. In the context of financial crunch wrought by the financial crisis, the financial and non-financial burden of chronic diseases make their management a priority concern globally. Primary care plays a critical role in dealing with this epidemic. To harness the full potential of primary care, however, the way it is organized needs transformation. At present 1) primary care is still organized around the primary care physician even as the shortage of primary care physician is worsening and is unlikely to improve in the immediate future; 2) models of care for the chronically ill are directed to the management of each disease separately, and despite its attribute of continuity, comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness; 3) fails to harness the contribution of patient self-management even as role of patient involvement in their health and health care is recognized; and 4) and overcome the barriers resulting from the structure of the health care system. These challenges are true for primary care in low and middle-income settings and high-income settings. A global framework for the transformation of primary care, consequently, offers promise to every health care system. The critical elements of such involve 1) the development of primary care teams that include physician services extenders such as primary care physicians or nurse practitioners; 2) that will deal with the health needs of the population – rather than the those of the individual patient; 3) by way of engaging chronically ill patients in co-managing their condition; 4) using ehealth technologies and point-of-care-testing facilities.