GHS strengthens coordination for free primary health care programme
Story by: Regina Bless
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has held an orientation meeting for members of the GHS Council, directors and staff of the Service’s Headquarters to strengthen coordination and deepen understanding of the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme.
The meeting, organised by the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PPMED), was held at the Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa Conference Room at the new GHS Headquarters in Pantang.
The FPHC programme is currently being implemented in 135 districts across all 16 regions, covering 4,447 health facilities. Training for district and sub-district teams has also been completed, while health kiosks are being established to extend essential healthcare services to underserved communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Deputy Director-General Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah said the programme is designed to strengthen primary healthcare while removing barriers that prevent people from accessing essential services.
She explained that free healthcare should go beyond eliminating payment at health facilities. According to her, it should also involve bringing healthcare closer to communities, promoting disease prevention, improving early detection and ensuring patients can move smoothly through the health system when referrals are necessary.
The Director of PPMED, Dr. Samuel K. Boakye-Boateng, provided an overview of the programme and stressed the importance of coordination, monitoring, continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making as implementation expands.
The meeting also addressed the financial framework of FPHC. Director of Finance, Mr. Mustapha Hamidu, explained that the programme builds on existing financing mechanisms while introducing population-based funding to support preventive and promotive healthcare services.
Meanwhile, the Director for Public Health, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said the programme would bring essential healthcare closer to communities through household visits, health education, early disease detection, immunisation and referrals where necessary.
Officials from the Institutional Care, Nursing and Midwifery, Supplies, Stores and Drugs Management, Health Promotion and other divisions also outlined their roles in ensuring effective implementation.
Particular attention was given to home visits and patient navigation. Dr. Eva Mensah, Director for Nursing and Midwifery Services, explained that health workers are expected to assess households, provide health education, identify health risks, document findings and connect clients to further care when necessary.
She added that a digital patient navigation platform is being developed to help ensure clients do not get lost during referrals, appointments and follow-up care.
The GHS also highlighted the importance of public education and community engagement. Director of Health Promotion, Mrs. Mabel Asafo-Kisiwaa, said sustained communication through radio, television, social media, interpersonal communication and community leaders would be critical to increasing awareness and use of the programme.
On monitoring and sustainability, FPHC Programme Coordinator Dr. Salamatu Attah Nantogma said data would be used to track coverage, facility readiness, service delivery, workforce, referrals, medicines, financial accountability and community-level activities.
She stressed the need for strong data systems, leadership support, institutional ownership and community engagement to sustain the programme.
In her closing remarks on behalf of the GHS Council, Dr. Gina Teddy commended the various divisions and departments for their efforts in getting the programme implemented within a relatively short period.
She acknowledged that FPHC remains a developing programme and encouraged continued dialogue, evidence gathering and constructive feedback to address challenges and improve implementation.
The GHS says the next phase will require stronger internal coordination and continued collaboration across national, regional, district and community levels to ensure that the Free Primary Health Care programme delivers accessible and quality healthcare to Ghanaians.