Free Primary Healthcare Rollout to Begin in 150 Districts

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative will commence in 150 underserved districts as the first phase of a nationwide rollout.

The programme is scheduled to be officially launched on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as part of efforts to improve access to essential healthcare services across the country.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister explained that the policy will allow Ghanaians to access a range of primary healthcare services at no cost at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics.

These services include routine screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, as well as maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and treatment of common illnesses like malaria and respiratory infections.

Mr. Akandoh, however, emphasised that while primary healthcare services under the initiative will be free, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will remain essential for referrals and specialised care at district, regional, and teaching hospitals.

He further noted that the policy seeks to reorient Ghana’s healthcare system towards prevention rather than treatment, with a strong focus on early detection and community-based interventions. As part of this approach, health workers will undertake home visits, engage schools, and intensify public education campaigns to reach individuals who may not regularly visit health facilities.

To support the rollout, the government has procured more than 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment, including incubators, diagnostic tools, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines, aimed at strengthening service delivery at the primary healthcare level.

The initiative, to be launched by President John Dramani Mahama, will be implemented in phases between 2026 and 2028, with the ultimate goal of achieving nationwide coverage.