Free primary healthcare rolled out in 135 districts nationwide
Written by; Regina Bless
The government has commenced the nationwide rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare programme in 135 districts, in a major move aimed at bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities across Ghana.
The programme is designed to provide free basic healthcare services at the primary level, with a strong focus on prevention, early detection and timely treatment.
Under the initiative, beneficiaries will have access to health screening, maternal and child healthcare, basic curative services and a range of community-based interventions.
Community health activities will include home visits and outreach programmes targeting schools, workplaces, markets and communities, allowing healthcare providers to reach people beyond traditional health facilities.
The rollout forms part of President John Mahama’s vision of transforming Ghana’s healthcare system from a predominantly sick-care model to comprehensive healthcare, with greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
Speaking on the initiative, officials said the programme represents an important step towards ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to people within their communities, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
To facilitate the implementation, 24,534 essential medical equipment, more than 10,000 motorbikes and tricycles, and 5,000 outreach kits have been distributed to support health workers and community-based services.
The provision of the logistics is expected to improve the capacity of healthcare workers to conduct outreach activities, undertake screenings and provide basic medical services to residents in underserved communities.
The programme is also expected to strengthen Ghana’s primary healthcare system by encouraging people to seek medical attention earlier, rather than waiting until illnesses become severe.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the Free Primary Healthcare programme as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce barriers to accessing essential medical services.
With the rollout across 135 districts, authorities say the initiative is a significant milestone towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that quality healthcare becomes more accessible to people across the country.
The government has therefore described Free Primary Healthcare as a long-term intervention that is intended to remain a key part of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.