The Upper West Regional Health Directorate has begun the implementation of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy in 10 of the region’s 11 districts, in a major push to expand access to essential healthcare, particularly for residents of underserved and rural communities.
The policy was formally launched in the region on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during the Directorate’s 2026 Half-Year Health Sector Performance Review in Wa, held under the theme, “Advancing Universal Health Coverage through Free Primary Healthcare.”
Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Josephat A. Nyuzaghl, said the policy had come at an opportune time and could help address persistent inequalities in access to healthcare across the region.
He said the initiative was particularly important for rural and underserved communities, where geographical and financial barriers continue to affect access to healthcare.
Dr. Nyuzaghl stressed that the policy should not be regarded as charity but as an investment in the health and wellbeing of the population, and called on health workers to ensure its effective implementation.
He also disclosed that the region had received essential medical equipment to support healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, the Upper West Region has recorded a 45 percent reduction in maternal mortality during the period under review, a development Dr. Nyuzaghl described as a significant indication of progress in the region’s health sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, Pognaa Hajia Fati Koray said access to healthcare should not be determined by a person’s geographical location.
She assured the Regional Health Directorate of the continued support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and urged Municipal and District Assemblies to prioritise health in their development plans.
Hajia Fati Koray also called on the Health Directorate to strengthen resource management and ensure that resources allocated to the sector were used efficiently and effectively.
The regional launch brought together representatives of the Ghana National Ambulance Service, traditional authorities, health training institutions, development partners, health workers and other stakeholders.
The Regional Focal Person for Free Primary Healthcare, Ambrose Naawa, subsequently outlined the policy’s implementation arrangements, while the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) presented on funding and collaborative activities under the initiative.
The performance review also examined key health service indicators and trends and provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the region’s performance, identify challenges and agree on measures to improve healthcare delivery.
The Upper West Regional Health Directorate said the combination of the FPHC rollout and ongoing health-sector interventions was expected to contribute to improved access, equity and quality of healthcare across the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
