Accra: President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch the Government's flagship health sector initiative, the Free Primary Health Care Programme, on April 15 at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region. The announcement was made by Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme will require an annual budget of GHS1.2 billion and will initially be implemented in 150 underserved districts across the country. Mr. Akandoh stated that within the next two months, the impact of the initiative would start to become visible to Ghanaians. As part of the first phase of implementation, health equipment will be distributed to all selected districts.
The programme also includes community sensitisation efforts, which will be conducted through town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements. Trained volunteers will be deployed to support the community health workforce, enhancing the programme's reach and effectiveness. Furthermore, more than 350 container-based service delivery points will be established in high-traffic areas such as markets and lorry parks.
Health workers and volunteers will take a proactive approach by visiting homes, schools, churches, and workplaces to screen, educate, and support people in maintaining their health. Mr. Akandoh highlighted that only about two-thirds of the population are currently enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), leaving a significant portion of Ghanaians facing financial barriers to healthcare access.
He further explained that out-of-pocket payments account for approximately one-third of total health expenditure, posing a risk of catastrophic health costs for many families. The Minister emphasized that the Free Primary Health Care Programme aims to alleviate these financial burdens and ensure that all Ghanaians have access to essential health services without the fear of financial hardship.