The Government’s Free Primary Healthcare Policy will complement existing health interventions and accelerate access to universal healthcare nationwide, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, has said.
Speaking during a media engagement in Ho on June 12, 2026, Mr Akandoh explained that the policy was designed to complement, not replace, existing interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
He said the initiative would ensure that all Ghanaians, regardless of location, social status, or ability to pay, have access to essential healthcare services.
Under the policy, patients seeking treatment at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics will receive care for common ailments free of charge.
“What we are saying is that when you visit a CHPS compound, health centre or polyclinic, you can access primary healthcare services whether you are an NHIS subscriber or not,” he stated.
The Minister clarified that the policy would not cover services at district, regional, or teaching hospitals, noting that the NHIS would continue to provide coverage for patients referred to higher-level facilities.
Mr Akandoh said the government had introduced complementary measures to strengthen preventive healthcare through community outreach, routine health screening, and public health education campaigns.
As part of the initiative, healthcare workers will undertake house-to-house visits and engage residents in communities, churches, and mosques to conduct health checks and promote the early detection and prevention of diseases.
He also announced the introduction of container-based health posts equipped with solar power systems, consulting rooms, dispensaries, washrooms, and telemedicine facilities to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
According to him, health workers stationed at these facilities will be able to consult medical specialists remotely through telemedicine platforms, reducing unnecessary referrals and improving access to care.
Mr Akandoh said the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) would finance the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, stressing that the government had uncapped the National Health Insurance Fund to ensure adequate resources for prompt payment of service providers and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that the government was investing in health infrastructure, medical equipment, motorbikes, tricycles, and bicycles to support healthcare workers in reaching remote communities and implementing the policy effectively.
The Minister noted that the Volta Region requires about 460 CHPS compounds but currently has only about 70, leaving a significant infrastructure deficit. To address the shortfall, he said district assemblies had been directed to construct at least two CHPS compounds annually.
Dr Senanu Kwasi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, commended the Minister for what he described as visionary leadership and commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana. He said the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ghana Health Service, the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and Ho Teaching Hospital, reflected broad support for the government’s healthcare agenda.
