President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme on April 15, a major campaign promise aimed at expanding access to healthcare across the country.
According to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the initiative seeks to deliver universal healthcare, particularly targeting the estimated 35 percent of Ghanaians not currently enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
In preparation for the rollout, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said he spent the morning of Good Friday inspecting a consignment of 24,534 pieces of medical equipment alongside the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The equipment, scheduled for distribution to health facilities nationwide beginning next week, is intended to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and support the effective implementation of the programme.
Items inspected include X-ray machines, vital sign monitors for measuring blood pressure and temperature, and glucometers for diabetes screening.
The consignment also features neonatal care equipment such as baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn resuscitation after delivery.
Additional equipment includes patient monitors, infusion devices, laboratory analysers, delivery beds, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines.
The government says the deployment of these resources will enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities and improve access to essential medical services, particularly at the primary care level.
The Free Primary Healthcare Programme forms a central pillar of the administration’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage and reduce financial barriers to healthcare access for all.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
