President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to officially inaugurate his flagship Free Primary Health Care Programme this Wednesday, with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
This initiative, which is a fundamental aspect of the President’s social contract with the Ghanaian populace, will commence its initial phase by focusing on 150 underserved districts across the country over the next two months.
During the Government Accountability Series held at the Presidency on Monday, April 13, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP) elaborated on the extensive logistical rollout that accompanies this policy.
To ensure that no Ghanaian is overlooked, the government is establishing over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas, including major markets and bus terminals.
“This is governance with compassion,” the Health Minister remarked. “We are not merely waiting for patients to approach us; we are bringing healthcare to where the people are, including their homes, schools, workplaces, and markets.”
To facilitate this rollout, the Ministry of Health has initiated the nationwide distribution of 24,534 essential medical equipment items. This investment aims to enhance the capabilities of CHPS compounds and health centers to deliver immediate, high-quality care.
The Free Primary Health Care Programme represents a shift in the national focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The minister indicated that the policy encompasses routine screenings for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers; antenatal and postnatal care; immunizations; comprehensive treatment for malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections; as well as counseling on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water management.
Mr. Akandoh clarified that the policy is founded on a seamless referral system. While straightforward conditions will be addressed at the community level, more complex cases will be referred to polyclinics or secondary facilities, with a “back-referral” system in place to ensure follow-up care at the community level.
“What we are constructing is a comprehensive system—from prevention to treatment to specialized care,” the Minister highlighted.
“This exemplifies the pathway to health sovereignty under a responsible administration. We are committed to early disease detection, minimizing preventable deaths, and safeguarding the overall health of our population.”
The initiation of the Free Primary Health Care Programme marks one of the most substantial enhancements of the Ghanaian social safety net in many years, realizing President Mahama’s vision of a nation where healthcare is regarded as a right, rather than a privilege.
