Zuarungu: The government has released GHS443 million to retool selected facilities for the implementation of the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme. About GHS36 million of this amount has been distributed to 107 district health facilities nationwide to support the initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), made this announcement in a speech read on his behalf at a FPHC durbar in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga East District. Dr Bampoe further revealed that the Upper East Region received about GHS4.2 million for 14 district health facilities, with funds paid directly to the facilities to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Dr Bampoe stated that funds for Free Primary Health Care are flowing straight to district health facilities. He emphasized that this direct payment model reduces delays and ensures resources are available at the point of care for Ghanaians. The largest allocations in the region went to the Bawku West District Health Directorate, which received GHS514,418.71, and the Bongo District Health Directorate, which received GHS415,393.79. Other beneficiary facilities included various district health directorates such as Bawku Municipal, Binduri, and several others.
Additionally, Dr Bampoe announced the introduction of a cashless revenue collection system across NHIA district offices nationwide. This reform aims to strengthen accountability, reduce cash handling risks, and provide a clear audit trail for transactions. Members will no longer pay cash at district offices for NHIS membership registration and renewal.
The Authority has also introduced a One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) system to validate claims and ensure value for money. NHIS members visiting health facilities will need to generate an OTAC on their mobile phones before receiving care, confirming their attendance and service receipt.
Dr Bampoe mentioned that a team from the NHIA is piloting the system in the Upper East Region. He noted that these interventions underscore the government's commitment to strengthening Ghana's healthcare system and expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare. The CEO assured Ghanaians of the Authority's ongoing commitment to enhancing the NHIS and supporting the government's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
The FPHC programme is part of the government's broader effort to bolster preventive healthcare and improve access to essential health services at the community and primary-care levels.