Free primary healthcare rollout: GHS engages health unions

Written by; Regina Bless

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has engaged leaders of key health sector unions as part of preparations for the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress made so far, discuss workforce deployment and address implementation arrangements ahead of the programme’s rollout.

Dr. Akoriyea appealed to the various health unions to support the initiative, stressing that its success would require the collective efforts of all stakeholders, particularly frontline health workers.

“We can’t do it alone. We need your support to make it work,” he said.

The Director-General also briefed the union leaders on the human resource capacity developed in recent weeks in preparation for the programme. He urged the unions to engage their members and encourage them to demonstrate professionalism, empathy and a strong commitment to patient service.

He emphasised that beyond the provision of healthcare, the attitude and conduct of health workers would be critical to building public confidence in the Free Primary Healthcare initiative.

The engagement brought together representatives of the Ghana Medical Association, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Medical Laboratory Association, Medical Superintendents Association, Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals, Ghana Hospital Pharmacists Association and the Health Services Workers’ Union.

The meeting forms part of ongoing stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening coordination, workforce readiness and effective implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare programme.