The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that the Free Primary Healthcare initiative will begin in 150 underserved districts as the first phase of a nationwide rollout.
He said the policy will be officially launched on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, by President John Dramani Mahama.
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Addressing the media at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister stated that the initiative will allow Ghanaians to access essential services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics at no cost.
He said the services will include routine screening for hypertension, diabetes and cancer, as well as maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and treatment of common illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections.
He noted that while primary healthcare services will be free, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will remain essential for referrals and specialised care at district, regional and teaching hospitals.
The Minister explained that the policy is aimed at shifting Ghana’s healthcare system from treatment to prevention through early detection and expanded community outreach.
He added that health workers will conduct home visits, school engagements and public education campaigns to reach individuals who may not visit health facilities.
He further stated that government has procured over 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment, including incubators, diagnostic tools, hospital beds and ultrasound machines, to support service delivery at the primary level.
The initiative will be implemented in phases between 2026 and 2028, with nationwide coverage as the final objective.
