The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in the Western North Region as part of government efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
The initiative was introduced through radio sensitisation programmes and stakeholder engagements involving Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, the Ghana Medical Association, district health directors and other health professionals.
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The Minister said the initiative, together with the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), is designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and shift focus towards preventive healthcare. It is currently being rolled out in 150 districts and includes the retooling of health facilities and the introduction of health kiosks.
He said the Western North Region is among the three regions earmarked for new regional hospitals under the 2026 Budget and disclosed plans to establish a polyclinic in one of the districts.
The Minister also announced the deployment of more than 100 doctors to underserved regions, including 15 to Western North, and said measures are being introduced to motivate health workers.
He added that 76 categories of medical equipment, including ECG machines, ultrasound machines, patient monitors, hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, infusion pumps, microscopes, nebulisers, and delivery beds, have been distributed.
He also disclosed that 7,000 motorbikes have been procured for nationwide distribution to support healthcare outreach in remote communities.
The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Paulina Appiah, expressed appreciation for the support and assured that the equipment would be properly maintained and used to improve healthcare delivery.
The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the programme.
The engagement forms part of a nationwide rollout aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage.
