The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called on key stakeholders to support and sustain the government’s newly launched Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy, which is intended to make essential health services free at the point of use.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in the Oti Region as part of activities to launch the initiative, the minister said the policy is designed to shift Ghana’s health system toward prevention while removing financial barriers that often prevent people—especially in underserved communities—from seeking timely care.
He explained that the policy, launched by President John Mahama this year, will focus on strengthening and expanding primary-level health facilities, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics, positioning them as the first point of care for communities.
According to him, the free package covers essential services such as maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, malaria treatment, and screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
He said the aim is to ensure early detection and treatment of illnesses, thereby reducing complications and preventable deaths.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh noted that the FPHC policy is expected to address what is often referred to as the “no money syndrome”, where people delay seeking medical care due to inability to pay.
He observed that many lives are lost due to late reporting to health facilities and missed opportunities for routine medical checks.
The minister therefore urged health sector stakeholders, community leaders, and development partners to collaborate in the rollout and long-term financing of the policy.
He stressed that coordination, professional cooperation, and shared responsibility will be key to sustaining the reforms and achieving national coverage.
At the engagement, the Paramount Chief of the Chonke Traditional Area, Nana Bonja Attamafuwuesi, commended government for introducing the policy, saying it would improve access to basic healthcare, especially for the poor and vulnerable.
He also appealed to the minister to prioritise the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital and ensure its completion within his tenure.
According to him, a fully operational regional hospital would significantly improve healthcare delivery in the Oti Region by expanding access to specialised services and reducing pressure on lower-level facilities.
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