Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme has gone live in 135 districts across the country, with 4,574 health facilities enlisted to provide services to residents.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said residents in the beneficiary districts do not need an active National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card to access services under the programme.
He said patients can walk into participating Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics, register and receive care.
The rollout covers 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics, including facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and other partners.
Addressing the media to mark the commencement of the programme, Mr Akandoh said the initiative was designed to move healthcare delivery closer to communities and strengthen prevention and early detection.
The government initially intends to cover 150 deprived districts, with the remaining 15 expected to be added by the end of 2026.
The broader target, he said, is to extend free primary healthcare to every part of Ghana by the end of 2027.
Equipment, health workers
Mr Akandoh said preparations for the rollout had been ongoing since the programme was launched in April, including the training of health workers and retooling of primary healthcare facilities.
He disclosed that more than 24,500 pieces of equipment had been distributed to CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics to support service delivery.
The Ministry has also received 5,000 health worker bags containing basic equipment for house-to-house healthcare services, with more supplies expected.
In addition, more than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles are expected to improve the ability of health workers to reach residents in remote communities.
Mr Akandoh stressed that the programme was not intended to provide free universal hospital care.
Rather, he said, it focuses on services delivered at the primary healthcare level, particularly preventive care, screening, early detection and treatment of common conditions.
He also clarified that the initiative does not replace the NHIS but complements it by reducing the burden of preventable and treatable conditions on the scheme.
Warning against illegal charges
The Health Minister warned health workers against charging patients for services covered by the programme.
He said the Ministry would investigate reports of illegal payments and sanction health workers found culpable.
Mr Akandoh urged residents in the 135 districts to take advantage of the programme by seeking preventive healthcare and screening instead of waiting until illnesses become severe.
The Ministry has also opened dedicated lines for complaints and enquiries.
Telecel users can call 06447, while MTN users can call 05444 46447 to report concerns about the implementation of the programme.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
