The government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Initiative was launched in the Ahafo Region by Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing universal health coverage for all Ghanaians without financial burden.
The launch, held at Goaso in the Asunafo North Municipality, followed a similar rollout in the Western North Region a day earlier and was accompanied with the handing over of medical equipment to health facilities across the region.
Speaking to stakeholders, the Minister explained that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the FPHC Initiative are complementing initiatives meant to improve Ghana’s healthcare system.
Patients will receive free treatment for conditions treated at CHPS compounds, health centers, and polyclinics, which will be entirely funded by the government. With nationwide coverage anticipated by the end of 2028, the program, which is now being implemented in 150 districts, signifies a move from illness-focused treatment to prevention, early detection, and community-based healthcare.
In order to improve healthcare service in Ahafo, Hon. Akandoh announced major investments, including the posting of over 252 medical professionals to the area and the deployment of an additional 30 to cover crucial gaps.
Noting that the government is creating both monetary and non-monetary incentive packages to promote staff retention, he urged local authorities and communities to create a friendly atmosphere for recently deployed health workers.
Additionally, plans were made to build a regional medical store and hospital in Ahafo by 2027.
The Minister outlined three strategies to address the backlog of about 100,000 qualified professionals in the health workforce: increasing recruitment into underserved communities, facilitating the managed migration of nurses abroad, and reviewing admission quotas in health training institutions.
He pointed out that although the government can hire less than 16,000 health workers yearly, roughly 35,000 students are admitted to health training institutions each year, making reforms crucial for sustainability.
The Minister declared that in order to enhance service delivery and community outreach, motorcycles, tricycles, and more medical equipment will be provided to the Amankwaakrom CHPS Compound and Sankore Health Center in the Asunafo South District.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to finishing workable Agenda 111 health facilities and incorporating them into its larger plan to expand healthcare.
The Minister took the opportunity to urge the public to respect and defend frontline healthcare workers, emphasising that no one has the right to mistreat or assault medical personnel in any situation.
The introduction represents a significant advancement in the government’s endeavours to create a healthcare system that is more resilient, equitable, and accessible for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their location or financial situation.
Source: newsthemegh.com