Ghana Introduces Free Primary Healthcare Policy to Expand Access and Save Lives

Ghana has unveiled a landmark Free Primary Healthcare policy aimed at improving early access to medical services, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and strengthening the country’s push toward universal health coverage.

Speaking at Government Accountability Series ahead of the official launch, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the policy marks a fundamental shift in Ghana’s healthcare delivery—from a system largely focused on treatment to one prioritising prevention and early detection.

“This is not just about policy; it is about whether a Ghanaian can access care early, easily and without worrying about cost,” the Minister stated.

According to him, the initiative will guarantee free access to a defined package of essential health services at the primary care level, including CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics across the country.

Hon. Akandoh explained that the policy is designed to address persistent gaps in Ghana’s health system, including financial barriers, late diagnosis of diseases, and uneven access to care.

“Too many Ghanaians are still not fully protected. Out-of-pocket payments still account for roughly one-third of total health expenditure. This means families delay seeking care, and by the time they visit a facility, the condition has often worsened,” he noted.

He added that Ghana’s universal health coverage index currently stands at about 56 percent, far below the 80 percent target set for 2030.

The Minister also highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancers and mental health conditions, stressing that many cases go undetected until complications arise.

“Hypertension develops silently, diabetes progresses quietly, and certain cancers show no early symptoms. This is why early screening and prevention are critical,” he said.

Under the new policy, Ghanaians will receive free routine screening for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, maternal and child health services, immunisation, health education, and treatment for common illnesses like malaria and respiratory infections.

“The only thing you need is to show a valid ID card as a Ghanaian,” Hon. Akandoh clarified.

However, he emphasised that the policy does not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which will remain essential for accessing care beyond the primary level.

“When you are referred to district, regional or teaching hospitals, it is your National Health Insurance that will save you. So NHIS is still very relevant and very important,” he stressed.

The policy will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2028, starting with 150 underserved districts across all regions.

“We are not rushing this. We will start with underserved districts, learn from the implementation, and expand nationwide by 2028,” the Minister explained.

To support the rollout, government has procured over 24,000 pieces of medical equipment, including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds and ultrasound machines, which will be distributed to facilities in the first phase.

“We cannot announce policies without preparing. We are retooling our health facilities to ensure they are ready to deliver,” he said.

In addition to facility-based care, the policy will extend services into communities through outreach programmes, home visits, school engagements and health campaigns.

“Health workers will not only wait at facilities; they will be in homes, schools, churches and workplaces—screening, educating and supporting people to stay healthy,” he noted.

The Minister further disclosed that financing for the policy has been integrated into the National Health Insurance Scheme, following the uncapping of the NHIS fund.

“We are not reinventing the wheel. Financing will be done through NHIS, and budgetary provisions have already been secured for 2026,” he assured.

Hon. Akandoh described the initiative as part of a broader health sector reform agenda that includes the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “Mahama Care,” to support treatment of advanced and chronic conditions.

“What we are building is a complete system—from prevention to treatment to specialised care,” he said.

He concluded by urging Ghanaians to take advantage of the policy once implemented.

“Go early, get screened, because the system is being built for you. Free primary healthcare is a reset—a reset towards prevention, equity and a stronger, more resilient Ghana,” the Minister emphasised.