Mahama to launch Free Primary Healthcare Programme today

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to launch Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme to expand access to affordable, quality care nationwide today, Wednesday.

The Presidency announced in a Wednesday morning post that the initiative will be unveiled at 10:00 AM at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, describing it as “a transformative step toward universal health coverage.”

According to the statement, “the Free Primary Healthcare Programme is designed to ensure that all Ghanaians can access essential health services at no cost at the point of use,” adding that the policy prioritises prevention and early detection.

The programme removes premiums on a range of basic health services, including routine screenings, vaccinations, malaria treatment, and maternal care, particularly at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and clinics.

It also introduces regular screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and selected cancers, alongside periodic medical check-ups aimed at improving long-term health outcomes.

Primary care treatment under the policy will cover common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections, as well as antenatal and postnatal services.

The Presidency noted that “this approach shifts the focus from treatment to prevention, ensuring a healthier population and reducing the burden on higher-level facilities.”

To improve convenience, the programme will deploy container-based service delivery points in busy locations such as markets and lorry parks, bringing healthcare closer to communities.

Access to the services will require only a valid national identification card, making the system more inclusive.

The programme targets universal access by 2030, with a strong focus on equity across regions and populations.

The initiative is expected to ease pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals by strengthening primary healthcare centres, thereby helping to address challenges such as overcrowding and delays in treatment.

The broader goal, according to the Presidency, is to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare while improving workforce productivity through a healthier population.