President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday launched the government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare Policy, aimed at accelerating Ghana’s progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) by placing greater emphasis on preventive care and community-based health services.The launch marks the commencement of Phase One of the programme, which will be implemented in 150 selected underserved districts, with nationwide rollout planned between 2027 and 2028.

Launching the policy, President Mahama said it is designed to complement existing healthcare systems, particularly the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), while addressing persistent gaps in access.He said the initiative seeks to move Ghana towards a system in which all residents enjoy equitable access to quality primary healthcare services, free of charge at designated facilities.

These facilities include Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, public health units of polyclinics, community pharmacies, health kiosks, mobile clinics, and community outreach points.

President Mahama said health kiosks will be introduced in areas without CHPS compounds and in densely populated areas, such as markets and lorry parks, to improve access to basic services.He said access to FPHC services will require proof of Ghanaian citizenship or legal residency, such as the Ghana Card. He said that more complex cases will be referred to higher-level facilities and will be covered under the NHIS.

He emphasised that the Free Primary Healthcare programme is designed to complement, not replace, the NHIS, urging citizens to enrol in or continue renewing their NHIS membership.He also announced the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “Mahama Cares”, as a third tier of care alongside FPHC and NHIS. The fund will support treatment of advanced and chronic non-communicable diseases, including kidney failure requiring dialysis, thereby reducing the financial burden on families.

Paradigm shift

He expressed concern about the rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancers, hypertension, stroke and renal diseases, attributing the trend to lifestyle factors including poor diet, physical inactivity and late-night eating. He said health education will therefore be a central pillar of the policy.

The President noted that while the NHIS has significantly expanded access and improved affordability since its introduction, gaps remain, particularly in rural areas. He explained that the healthcare system was largely curative in nature, focusing on treatment. This, he said made the introduction of the FPHC programme very critical because it emphasises prevention, screening, early detection, health education, and timely intervention.

President Mahama said a key component of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme is routine screening for NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes, which can be detected early and often managed through lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity. He said the overall goal of the FPHC policy is to strengthen prevention, reduce complications from non-communicable diseases, and improve the long-term sustainability of the health system. He stressed that citizens must undergo at least one comprehensive health screening annually and encouraged traditional and religious leaders to support community mobilisation for this effort.

Under the policy, basic illnesses such as malaria and cholera will be treated free of charge at primary-level facilities, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, public health units of polyclinics, health kiosks and other designated facilities under the FPHC policy.

Other Speakers

The Minister for Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh commended President Mahama for his sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, including the expansion of the CHPS programme and fiscal reforms such as the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, which has created fiscal space for flagship interventions including the Free Primary Healthcare initiative and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

Mr Akandoh noted that despite progress under the NHIS and CHPS, challenges remain, particularly high out-of-pocket health expenditure, currently estimated at about 35 per cent of total health spending. He expressed concern that many Ghanaians delay seeking care, while non-communicable diseases continue to rise, resulting in late diagnosis and poorer outcomes, making the FPHC policy a timely reform.

He said the new initiative will provide financial protection by making a defined package of primary healthcare services free at the point of use, while encouraging enrolment in the NHIS for higher-level care. He added that the policy will shift the health system towards prevention, early diagnosis and proactive community outreach, while integrating CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics into a seamless delivery system. He disclosed that more than 24,000 medical equipment items, including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds and ultrasound machines, have been procured to support service delivery nationwide.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Ocloo, commended the initiative as a major step towards improving access to healthcare.

NHIA CEO

The Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, joined other stakeholders from across the health sector to grace the occasion. He led a high-level delegation from the NHIA, a key implementer of the policy, comprising executive management and directors.Dr Bampoe said the country had not only witnessed a launch but the birth of a great initiative promised.

He thanked the president for his vision and great leadership, indicating that the future belonged to those who could see it before it arrived.“This initiative is a testament to that foresight, your bold commitment to a healthier and more equitable Ghana is obvious,” he said.He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and partners who had contributed to the birth of the FPHC.

Report by Doreen Andoh

Pictures by Isaac Hagan & Ebenezer Danso