President John Dramani Mahama has called on the general public to fully embrace and take advantage of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative, stressing that the programme was introduced to improve access to quality healthcare services and promote the early detection and treatment of diseases.
According to the President, the initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system and ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of financial status or location, can access essential healthcare services without difficulty.
President Mahama made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Free Primary Healthcare Hospital project at Ohiaba in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District of the Central Region as part of his ongoing working visit to the region.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, President Mahama explained that the Free Primary Healthcare policy is specifically designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to people in underserved communities who often face challenges accessing basic medical treatment.
He noted that the policy would prioritize disease prevention through regular health screening, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment, which he said would significantly reduce the burden of serious illnesses on families and the national healthcare system.
“The purpose of this programme is to ensure that people do not wait until they are seriously sick before seeking medical attention.
Early detection saves lives and reduces the cost of treatment,” the President stated.
President Mahama further disclosed that trained healthcare personnel would soon begin nationwide community outreach programmes under the initiative.
According to him, the health workers would move from house to house to conduct free medical screening exercises, provide health education, and administer essential medications where necessary.
He assured residents that beneficiaries under the programme would not be required to pay consultation or treatment fees for services covered by the policy.
The President therefore encouraged citizens not to ignore the opportunity created by the intervention but rather make routine medical check-ups a regular part of their lives.
“Do not let this programme go to waste.Take advantage of it by checking your health regularly because many diseases can be treated successfully when detected early,” he advised.
President Mahama emphasized that regular health screening remains one of the most effective ways of preventing avoidable deaths and managing chronic health conditions before they become severe.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who accompanied the President on the tour, commended President Mahama for introducing the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention that would transform healthcare delivery across the country.
He explained that the policy is built on three major pillars Free Primary Healthcare Services, Free National Health Insurance enrolment and renewal, and the Mahama Care programme all aimed at ensuring universal access to quality healthcare for every Ghanaian.
According to the Health Minister, the intervention is not a short-term measure but a long-term national policy intended to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and improve the overall well-being of citizens.
Hon. Akandoh also appealed to Ghanaians to actively enrol on or renew their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership to enable them benefit fully from the programme and other healthcare services.
He further urged the public to cultivate the habit of undergoing medical examinations at least once every year in order to detect potential health conditions early and seek timely treatment.
The Free Primary Healthcare initiative forms part of the Mahama administration’s broader social intervention agenda aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting preventive healthcare practices across the country.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
