By Jones Anlimah
Government has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare Programme in the Volta Region, marking a major step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving access to essential healthcare services for residents in underserved communities.
The programme, which forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector agenda, is being rolled out initially in five districts in the Volta Region including Agotime-Ziope, Akatsi North, Anloga, South Dayi and North Tongu.
Launching the initiative at Ho, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the programme seeks to shift Ghana’s healthcare system from a predominantly “sick-care” model to a comprehensive healthcare system that prioritises prevention, health promotion and early disease detection.
“Today, our healthcare system has been overly reliant on what we call sick care. It is only when you are sick that the system takes proper care of you. President John Dramani Mahama wants us to move from sick care to comprehensive healthcare,” he stated.
Mr. Akandoh explained that unlike the National Health Insurance Scheme, which requires subscription and renewal, the Free Primary Healthcare Programme is accessible to all Ghanaians without registration requirements.
“The free primary healthcare is applicable to everybody whether you are a subscriber to the National Health Insurance or not. All 33 million Ghanaians can access free primary healthcare,” he said.
The programme will provide free healthcare services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics. Services will cover common ailments such as malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections, while healthcare workers will also conduct community outreach, health screening and education programmes.
As part of implementation efforts, government has begun distributing medical equipment to primary healthcare facilities and will provide motorbikes and tricycles to support outreach services.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, described primary healthcare as the foundation of a resilient health system and urged stakeholders to support the programme’s implementation.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a strong health system. It focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community participation to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Mr. Gunu added that the initiative aligns with efforts to reduce inequalities in healthcare access and improve health outcomes across the region.
The programme contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through expanded healthcare access, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by targeting underserved communities, and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for vulnerable populations.
Government says the pilot phase will inform the eventual nationwide rollout of the programme.
