Free Primary Healthcare starts in 135 districts nationwide

Free Primary Healthcare starts in 135 districts nationwide Graphic Online Health Sep - 07 - 2026 , 18:42 2 minutes read The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has said Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare programme has started in 135 districts in the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday (September 7), the Minister said the initiative forms part of President John Dramani Mahama's health sector reforms and is aimed at shifting healthcare delivery from hospitals to communities, with greater emphasis on prevention and early detection. He said the government's initial target is to implement the programme in 150 deprived districts, with the remaining 15 expected to be added by the end of 2026. The Ministry's broader goal is for every part of the country to benefit from free primary healthcare by the end of 2027. According to Mr Akandoh, extensive preparations have been undertaken since the programme was launched in April 2026, including training health workers and retooling primary healthcare facilities. He disclosed that more than 24,500 pieces of equipment had been distributed to Community-based Health Planning and Services compounds, health centres, and polyclinics to support implementation. The Ministry has also taken delivery of 5,000 health worker bags containing basic equipment for house-to-house services, with additional supplies expected in the coming weeks. The Minister said the government is also expecting more than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to facilitate the movement of health professionals into communities. Under the programme, 4,574 health facilities are currently participating, comprising 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres, and 48 polyclinics. Facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana and other partners are also included. The Minister stressed that Free Primary Healthcare is not free universal hospital care, explaining that the programme covers services delivered at the primary healthcare level, including CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. He also clarified that the initiative is not a replacement for the National Health Insurance Scheme, but is intended to complement it by reducing the burden of preventable and treatable conditions on the scheme. The Minister said residents in the 135 implementing districts do not need to possess an NHIS card to access services under the programme. Beneficiaries can walk into participating facilities and receive care after registration. Mr Akandoh cautioned health workers against charging patients for services covered under the programme, stating that the Ministry would investigate reports of illegal payments and take appropriate disciplinary action where necessary. He urged Ghanaians in the participating districts to make use of the programme by seeking preventive care and screening rather than waiting until illnesses become severe. He also announced dedicated hotlines for the public to report complaints and concerns regarding the Free Primary Healthcare programme.