The government is set to launch its flagship Free Primary Healthcare programme on Wednesday, April 15, in a move aimed at expanding access to basic health services across Ghana.
The initiative will begin in 150 underserved districts, with officials saying the impact should start to be felt within two months.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the programme is designed to remove financial barriers to essential care while strengthening prevention, early detection and treatment at the community level.
Under the first phase, health equipment will be distributed to all participating districts, while more than 350 container based service points will be set up in busy public spaces including markets and lorry parks.
Community engagement is expected to play a central role, with town hall meetings planned and trained volunteers deployed to support the existing health workforce.
Health workers and volunteers will also extend services beyond clinics, reaching people in homes, schools, churches and workplaces to provide screening, health education and basic care.
The programme, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, forms part of efforts to advance universal health coverage in the country.
Officials say the initiative will ensure that a range of essential services are provided free at the point of care, from CHPS compounds to polyclinics, improving access and helping detect diseases earlier.
It is also expected to strengthen referral systems, address gaps in service delivery and improve overall health outcomes.
As part of the rollout, new health posts are being introduced to expand services, particularly in hard to reach communities.
The Free Primary Healthcare programme will be implemented in phases, with a nationwide expansion planned by 2027.
