The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has detailed the scope of Ghana’s primary healthcare policy, describing it as the foundation of a strong and resilient health system capable of meeting the majority of the country’s medical needs.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, April 13, the Minister said the policy is structured to ensure that every Ghanaian who visits a primary health facility can access a wide range of essential services.
“In clear terms, it ensures that when a Ghanaian visits a primary health facility, they will be able to receive a range of essential services, including routine screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and mental health,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh explained that the package goes beyond basic treatment to include cancer screening and comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services such as antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, and growth monitoring.
He added that the policy also prioritises prevention and public health education, covering counselling on non-communicable diseases, family planning, immunisation, safe water practices, and menstrual hygiene.
“It also includes cancer screening, maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, immunisation and growth monitoring, as well as health promotion activities such as NCD risk counselling, promotion of family planning, immunisation, safe water management, menstrual hygiene, and treatment of common conditions like malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections,” he added.
The Minister further noted that treatment at the primary level will cover common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections, in addition to basic emergency care, counselling, and referrals where necessary.
“These are the services that address the majority of health needs in our population, and surveys show that about 80% of health needs are handled at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.
He emphasised that strengthening primary healthcare is key to improving the entire health system, noting that a solid foundation would significantly reduce pressure on higher-level facilities.
“So if we get our primary healthcare right, it means we are getting the system right, and we will have a resilient health sector and health system,” he said.
