President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare programme in Dodowa, signaling a strategic shift in Ghana’s medical landscape from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, the President emphasized that the initiative is designed to transition the country from a “sick care” model to a comprehensive “health care” system. The policy ensures that basic medical services at the primary level, including care at CHPS compounds, health centers, and polyclinics, will be accessible to all Ghanaians at no cost.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, detailed a massive logistical rollout accompanying the policy, which includes the deployment of 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment to upgrade local health facilities. To increase accessibility, the government is establishing over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas such as major markets and lorry parks. The programme will initially target 150 underserved districts over the next two months, with a goal of achieving full nationwide coverage by 2028.
Under the new framework, citizens will have access to free routine screenings for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, alongside full treatment for malaria and respiratory infections. The initiative also covers maternal care, immunizations, and public health counseling. President Mahama clarified that this programme is intended to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme by ensuring early detection at the community level while referring more complex cases to higher-level facilities.
Following the launch, the President departed for Brazzaville to attend the investiture of President Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
