The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Policy in the Oti Region, describing it as a key step in government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
The policy, initially launched by President John Dramani Mahama early this year, is designed to improve access to essential health services and close persistent gaps, particularly at the primary level.
Launching the programme at Dambai, the Minister said the initiative will complement existing healthcare interventions, especially the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and move the country toward equitable access to quality primary healthcare services at no cost in designated facilities.
These include CHPS compounds, public health units of polyclinics, community pharmacies, health kiosks, mobile clinics and community outreach points.
He explained that health kiosks will be deployed in areas without CHPS compounds and in high-traffic locations such as markets and lorry parks to expand access.
Access to services under the FPHC policy will require proof of Ghanaian citizenship or legal residency, including the Ghana Card. More complicated cases will be referred to higher-level facilities and covered under the NHIS.
Mintah Akandoh stressed that the policy is not intended to replace the NHIS and urged citizens to enrol or renew their membership. Under the programme, basic illnesses such as malaria and cholera will be treated free of charge at approved primary-level facilities.
The minister also raised concerns about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancers, hypertension, stroke and renal disease, linking the trend to lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and late-night eating.
He said health education will therefore be a central pillar of the policy and called on MDCEs, churches, assembly members and other stakeholders to support implementation.
In his remarks, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, assured that the Regional Coordinating Council will work to ensure the successful rollout of the policy.
He noted that the region faces significant healthcare challenges and expressed confidence that the intervention will strengthen healthcare delivery across Oti.
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