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President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch the Free Primary Healthcare Programme today, a major initiative aimed at achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
The policy will begin with its first phase targeting 150 underserved districts across the country over the next two months.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh outlined plans for a large-scale rollout, including the establishment of over 350 container-based service points in busy locations such as markets and lorry parks to improve access to care.
He said the initiative is designed to bring healthcare closer to the people rather than waiting for patients to visit health facilities.
To support the programme, the government has started distributing more than 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment to strengthen CHPS compounds and health centres.
The programme focuses on preventive healthcare, offering services such as screenings for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancers, as well as maternal care, immunisations, and treatment for common illnesses like malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections.
It also includes counselling on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices.
The system will operate with a structured referral process, where basic conditions are handled at the community level, while more complex cases are referred to higher-level facilities, with follow-up care ensured at the local level.
The initiative marks a major expansion of Ghana’s healthcare system, aimed at improving early detection of diseases, reducing preventable deaths, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
