The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has warned that weak laboratory systems could undermine the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
Ghana is currently rolling out the policy to provide free and accessible healthcare at Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. The initiative covers screenings, laboratory tests, and treatment of common diseases, and is designed to bridge healthcare gaps while complementing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), without requiring an insurance card for access.
However, medical laboratory scientists have raised concerns about the country’s readiness to fully implement the policy.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of GAMLS, Dr. George Yaw Ayerakwah, stated that the success of the policy hinges on significant investment in laboratory systems nationwide.
He made the remarks in an interview with JoyNews after a free health screening exercise held at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to mark International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day.
Dr. Ayerakwah noted that many laboratory professionals, particularly in deprived areas, face challenges due to the lack of essential equipment and supplies.
“In fact, when you visit most healthcare facilities in remote areas, you will find that laboratory systems are in poor condition, and several district hospitals even lack the fundamental equipment needed to carry out certain tests,” he said.
He emphasised that the government’s flagship programme can only succeed if laboratories are adequately equipped to support accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and patient safety.
“As the government promotes the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, its successful implementation depends on ensuring that every health laboratory is properly furnished with the necessary logistics, reagents, and human resource capacity, as these elements are critical to the long-term sustainability of the initiative,” he added.
This year’s International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day was observed under the theme: “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics.”
To commemorate the day, the Ashanti Regional branch of GAMLS, with support from DIMER Health Services, organised a free health screening for residents in Kumasi, offering services such as blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and general health counselling.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of DIMER Health Services, Sheikh Rashid Nketiah, highlighted the critical role of laboratory testing in guiding treatment decisions.
“We have observed that many people resort to self-medication without first undergoing laboratory tests to determine their health condition, and that can be harmful. In addition, some people are often afraid to check their health status, yet doing so helps you understand your medical condition,” he said.
He encouraged the public to undertake regular health checks to support early detection and treatment of diseases.
Hundreds of residents benefited from the exercise and commended the organisers for what they described as a timely and impactful initiative.
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