Accra: Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, announced on Monday that the Government's flagship initiative, the Free Primary Health Care Programme, aims to ensure early detection of illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall health outcomes. The programme is set to be launched by President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, April 15, at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, and is expected to significantly reduce healthcare costs by preventing emergency situations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akandoh, speaking at the Government Accountability series press conference at the Presidency, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who delay seeking medical attention due to financial constraints. This delay often results in worsened health conditions by the time they reach a healthcare facility. Ghana is currently grappling with a "triple burden of disease," managing infectious diseases while witnessing a rise in non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers, stroke, and mental health conditions.
The Health Minister elaborated on the silent progression of conditions like hypertension and diabetes, noting that many individuals remain unaware of their conditions until complications arise. A 2021 study indicated that only 35 percent of hypertensive individuals in Ghana were aware of their high blood pressure status. This lack of awareness often leads to severe complications by the time individuals seek medical help, making treatment more expensive, complex, and less effective.
Mr Akandoh pointed out the inadequacies in primary-level facilities, with a nationwide survey revealing that only five percent of health facilities had the full complement of basic equipment required to deliver essential services. The situation is even more dire in public health facilities, where only two percent possessed all the necessary equipment assessed.
The Minister emphasized the need for a shift from treatment-focused healthcare to prevention-focused strategies. Financial barriers, low awareness, late detection, and system gaps contribute to the challenges in accessing timely and equitable healthcare. The Free Primary Health Care Programme aims to address these issues by offering every Ghanaian access to a defined package of essential primary healthcare services at no cost, provided they have a National Identification Card.
This programme will be implemented across Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics nationwide. Beyond these delivery points, there will be a structured approach to disease prevention and health promotion, extending services into communities and households. The initiative represents a significant transformation in the healthcare system, promoting preventive and promotive services alongside curative care within the Free Primary Health Care Service package.