Bolgatanga: Residents of the Upper East Region will soon benefit from free primary healthcare services offered in various community settings, including markets, schools, and homes, as part of the Government's Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme. This service will be accessible without the requirement of active membership in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative, which was launched in Bolgatanga, aims to extend healthcare delivery beyond traditional hospitals by emphasizing disease prevention, early detection, and health promotion. Currently, 14 out of the region's 15 districts are implementing the first phase of this programme.
Under the FPHC programme, communities will receive free services such as immunization, antenatal and postnatal care, treatment for common illnesses, and screenings for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and selected cancers. The programme also covers family planning, mental health support, and health education. To enhance accessibility, health posts and kiosks will be established in 11 busy markets, lorry stations, and remote communities, providing essential healthcare closer to residents who often struggle to reach health facilities.
Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, highlighted that the programme signifies a major transition from a healthcare system focused on treating illness to one that prioritizes maintaining health. He stated, "Quality healthcare is an inalienable right and should be enjoyed by every Ghanaian," during his address at the regional launch of the programme.
The launch, themed 'Free Primary Health Care: Removing Financial Barriers Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage,' gathered various stakeholders, including representatives from the Market Women Association and officials from the Ghana Education Service, among others.
Dr. Abubakari emphasized that the FPHC initiative ensures access to essential healthcare services regardless of residency. He clarified that the FPHC programme focuses on preventive and promotive healthcare services, complementing rather than replacing the NHIS. Unlike NHIS, which primarily finances treatment, the FPHC programme does not require NHIS membership for beneficiaries to access its services.
He further explained that essential preventive services, including screenings for chronic diseases and mental health conditions, treatment of minor ailments, and health education, will be provided free of charge, irrespective of an individual's NHIS membership status. However, he advised residents to maintain active NHIS membership as referrals for further treatment would still be covered under the insurance scheme.
Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa, Director of Membership and Operations of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), speaking on behalf of Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, CEO of the Authority, described the initiative as a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana. He revealed that over 26 million Ghanaians, approximately 76% of the population, are currently enrolled in the NHIS, with expectations to reach 80% coverage by year's end.
He asserted that expanding preventive healthcare through the FPHC programme is expected to reduce severe illness cases, subsequently lowering healthcare costs and alleviating pressure on the National Health Insurance Fund. The FPHC programme is part of the government's flagship health interventions aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities, while accelerating Ghana's progress towards UHC by 2030.