Free Primary Healthcare: GHS debunks claims tricycles are ambulances

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has rejected claims that tricycles procured under the Free Primary Health Care initiative are being used as ambulances.

The statement, signed by Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, described circulating social media reports as false and misleading.

“The Service wishes to categorically state that these claims are false and misleading. These FPHC tricycles are not ambulances and have not been procured to be used as such,” the statement said.

According to the GHS, the tricycles form part of a broader strategy under the government’s flagship Free Primary Health Care policy aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery at the community level.

Officials explained that the deployment of tricycles and motorbikes is intended to improve access to essential services, particularly in rural, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach communities across the country.

“This strategic intervention is designed to enhance last-mile service delivery, especially in rural, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach communities,” the statement noted, stressing its commitment to equitable access to quality primary healthcare.

The Service further clarified that the tricycles complement existing motorbike deployment and provide a more flexible transport option for frontline health workers, particularly Community Health Nurses operating within the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) system.

Detailing their functionality, the GHS said the tricycles are equipped with cargo compartments to carry medical supplies, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and health education materials required for outreach programmes and home visits.

“This innovation reduces logistical challenges and significantly improves efficiency and service coverage at the community level,” the statement added.

The GHS also highlighted safety benefits, noting that the tricycles offer greater stability in difficult terrains and are more user-friendly for a wider range of health workers.

“They enhance safety and stability in difficult terrains and are user-friendly for a broader range of health workers, including female CHNs,” the statement indicated.

The Service urged the public to disregard misinformation circulating online, insisting that the initiative is focused on expanding healthcare access rather than replacing emergency transport systems.

“The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service urge the public to disregard any misinformation seeking to misrepresent this initiative,” the statement said, adding that the intervention will help bring quality healthcare closer to underserved communities.