While generative artificial intelligence(AI), exemplified by ChatGPT, demonstrated impressive capabilities in understanding the semantics and context of natural language, and generating coherent and meaningful responses, its performance in the medical field, which required high-level expertise and complex reasoning, remained uncertain. This article aimed to explore the potential applications and challenges of generative AI technology, with ChatGPT as a representative example, in enhancing the capabilities of primary healthcare services. Generative AI, represented by ChatGPT, had potential applications in enhancing primary healthcare services, including clinical assistance in diagnosis, electronic medical record documentation, remote management of chronic patients, and patient education. However, limitations such as the inability to guarantee accuracy, lack of doctor-patient interaction, language barriers, and concerns related to data security, patient privacy, and ethical considerations constrained its practical implementation. Therefore, the application of ChatGPT in improving the capabilities of primary healthcare services required extensive discussion and analysis throughout society. A comprehensive evaluation of potential risks and the establishment of corresponding policies and regulations were necessary to ensure the prudent and responsible introduction and application of ChatGPT, ultimately achieving the goal of empowering primary healthcare services.