Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme has officially commenced in 135 of the country’s 216 districts across all 16 regions, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced.
The government has prioritised deprived and underserved communities as part of efforts to expand free primary healthcare services in Ghana, with plans to extend the programme to 150 targeted districts by the end of 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Akandoh said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare and bring essential medical services closer to communities.
Free Healthcare Programme Covers All 16 Regions
The Minister disclosed that the programme is currently being implemented in several districts across Ghana’s regions.
The breakdown includes eight districts in the Ashanti Region, five in Bono, six in Bono East, eight in Eastern, seven in Greater Accra and 11 in the Volta Region.
Other participating regions include seven districts in Western, 11 in Central, two in Ahafo, 14 in Northern, six in North East, six in Savannah, 15 in Upper East, 11 in Upper West, nine in Oti and nine in Western North.
The government’s long-term objective is to ensure that every community in Ghana benefits from free primary healthcare by the end of 2027.
4,574 Health Facilities Participating
According to Mr Akandoh, a total of 4,574 health facilities are currently participating in the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
These facilities include:
- 3,781 CHPS compounds
- 746 health centres
- 48 polyclinics
Facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are also participating in the programme.
The Minister said the inclusion of different healthcare providers was intended to ensure that no community is left behind as the government expands access to basic healthcare services.
Government Distributes Thousands of Medical Equipment
The Health Ministry has also distributed more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment to primary healthcare facilities across the country.
The equipment is being supplied to CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics to strengthen their capacity to provide essential healthcare services.
In addition, the government has received approximately 5,000 health worker bags containing basic medical equipment to support healthcare professionals conducting house-to-house visits.
The initiative is expected to strengthen community-based healthcare delivery and improve early detection of illnesses.
7,000 Motorbikes and Tricycles for Health Workers
To improve the movement of healthcare workers from health facilities into communities, the government is working to provide at least 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles.
The transportation support is expected to make it easier for health professionals to conduct community outreach, home visits, health screening and other preventive healthcare services.
The Health Ministry has also introduced 30 health posts strategically located at lorry stations and market areas.
Plans are underway to establish an additional 217 health posts across Ghana’s regions and districts, bringing basic medical services closer to residents.
Health Workers Trained to Provide Community Healthcare
Mr Akandoh said healthcare professionals and support staff participating in the programme had received training to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
The training focuses on the delivery of preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services at the community level.
The government expects the programme to encourage more Ghanaians to seek early medical attention and preventive care instead of waiting until illnesses become severe.
Free Primary Healthcare Includes Health Screening
The Minister highlighted early positive results from communities where the programme has been introduced.
At the Mother Charles Walker Catholic Clinic, for example, healthcare workers are collaborating with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to screen drivers and passengers for basic health conditions.
Drivers whose systolic blood pressure was found to be above 200 millimetres of mercury were prevented from driving on that particular day.
The Minister said such interventions demonstrate the importance of preventive healthcare and early health screening in protecting lives.
NHIS Card Not Required
Mr Akandoh clarified that residents in districts where the Free Primary Healthcare Programme is being implemented do not need a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card to access services.
Beneficiaries can visit any participating healthcare facility, register and receive the appropriate services under the programme.
The policy is expected to remove financial and administrative barriers that may prevent people from seeking basic healthcare.
Health Workers Warned Against Illegal Charges
The Health Minister has also warned healthcare workers against demanding illegal payments from beneficiaries for services covered under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
He said the Ministry would investigate complaints involving unauthorised charges and take appropriate disciplinary action against health workers found to have violated the programme’s guidelines.
Residents have therefore been encouraged to report any instances where they are asked to pay for services that should be provided free of charge.
Ghanaians Urged to Use Free Healthcare Services
Mr Akandoh urged residents in participating districts to take advantage of the programme by accessing preventive healthcare, medical screening and early treatment.
He advised Ghanaians not to wait until their health conditions become serious before seeking medical attention.
The government believes expanding access to primary healthcare will help improve early diagnosis, disease prevention and overall healthcare outcomes across Ghana.
How to Report Free Healthcare Complaints
The Ministry of Health has established dedicated channels for Ghanaians to report complaints and concerns regarding the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
Telecel users can call 06447, while MTN users can call 0544446447 for assistance and to lodge complaints.
The government says feedback from beneficiaries will help strengthen implementation and ensure that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme delivers accessible and quality healthcare services to communities across Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com