The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has clarified that teaching hospitals and regional hospitals will not be included in the government’s Free Primary Health Care initiative.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he explained that the policy will focus on Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics across the country.
According to him, the initiative is part of efforts to reset Ghana’s healthcare system towards prevention, health promotion, and equity rather than treatment.
“This initiative represents a significant reset of our health system, aiming to prioritise prevention, promotion, and equity. While free healthcare and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are essential, there are still limitations. The programme will be implemented in Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. We are transitioning from a focus on sick care to a more proactive healthcare system to achieve universal health coverage,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh noted that the programme will be rolled out in 150 districts in its first year, targeting underserved communities, with a long-term goal of achieving nationwide coverage by 2028.
He added that the initiative, which will cost about GH₵1.2 billion annually, is designed to promote early detection of diseases, particularly non-communicable conditions, while reducing the financial burden on citizens.
The Minister further indicated that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will play a key role in supporting the programme, which includes a range of screening services to improve access to essential healthcare.
“We are starting this initiative on a small scale. Out of the 261 districts, we have selected 150 districts across the 16 regions for the first year. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has defined underserved communities, and we will begin our efforts there. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that by the end of 2028, the entire country will be covered under this programme,” he said.
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