The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured the public that accessing services under the newly introduced Free Primary Healthcare programme will not require any payment, provided individuals present a valid national identification card.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, April 13, the minister explained that the initiative is aimed at removing financial obstacles that often prevent people from seeking timely medical attention.
He stressed that all services covered under the programme—including preventive, promotive, and basic curative care—will be offered at no cost.
According to him, the only requirement for beneficiaries is proof of identity through a valid national ID.
The policy forms part of Ghana’s broader commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the goal of ensuring that citizens can access essential healthcare services without experiencing financial strain.
Currently, national coverage stands at approximately 56 percent, with authorities targeting an increase to 80 percent by 2030.
Mr. Akandoh noted that although systems like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) programme have improved access over the years, many citizens still incur out-of-pocket expenses, which can delay treatment.
The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to address this gap by providing a defined package of essential services at primary care facilities such as CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics across the country.
Under the initiative, patients will benefit from routine health screenings for conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and selected cancers.
The programme will also cover maternal and child healthcare, immunisations, and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections.
The minister further highlighted that the policy represents a shift towards prevention and early diagnosis, rather than focusing solely on treatment.
He cautioned that delays in seeking care often result in more severe health conditions, which are costlier and more difficult to manage.
Implementation will take place in phases between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 150 districts—particularly those with limited access to healthcare—before expanding nationwide.
To support the rollout, the government has secured over 24,000 pieces of medical equipment, including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines, to strengthen service delivery at the primary level.
Beyond health facilities, the programme will also incorporate community outreach initiatives, home visits, and school-based services to reach individuals who may not actively seek medical care.
While primary healthcare services under the policy will be free, the minister indicated that efforts will continue to enrol uninsured individuals onto the NHIS, enabling them to access more advanced levels of care when necessary.
He encouraged Ghanaians to take full advantage of the programme by prioritising early screening and treatment, noting that the long-term objective is to reduce preventable diseases and improve overall health outcomes nationwide.
By 1960news.com
