Western North region launches Free Primary Healthcare initiative

The Government of Ghana has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in the Western North Region, reaffirming its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality primary healthcare services without financial hardship.

The regional rollout formed part of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement led by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and culminated in the presentation of essential medical equipment to health facilities across the region.

The engagement began with a radio sensitization programme where the minister outlined the key components of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares.

He explained that the government’s healthcare reforms are focused on shifting the country’s healthcare system from predominantly treating illness to promoting comprehensive and preventive healthcare.

He highlighted government interventions including the retooling of hospitals, health centres and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, as well as the introduction of health kiosks to improve access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

As part of the regional engagement, the minister met with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, party communicators, the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), District Directors of Health Services, Medical Superintendents, heads of Ministry of Health agencies and other health professionals.

The meetings provided an opportunity to explain the policy framework, address concerns and secure stakeholder support for the successful implementation of the initiative.

The community launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative took place at Sefwi Akontombra, while the regional launch and the handing over of medical equipment were held at the Western North Regional Health Directorate in Bodi.

Addressing stakeholders during the launch, Akandoh stressed that the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative is designed to complement, rather than replace, the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He explained that Ghana’s healthcare reforms are built on three key pillars: the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), all working together to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

He noted that implementation of the initiative has commenced in an initial 150 districts nationwide and reiterated that although healthcare services are free at the point of delivery for ordinary Ghanaians, government continues to invest substantial resources to finance the programme.

The Minister announced that the Western North Region is among the three regions selected to benefit from the construction of new regional hospitals under the Government’s 2026 Budget.

He also disclosed plans to establish a polyclinic in one of the districts in the region and assured residents that government would continue to provide the equipment required to improve healthcare delivery in health facilities across the region.

Touching on the health workforce, Akandoh said more than 100 medical doctors have recently been posted to underserved regions across the country, with 15 assigned to the Western North Region.

He added that government is implementing measures to motivate health workers serving in deprived communities to improve healthcare delivery.

To strengthen primary healthcare services in the region, the minister handed over 76 different categories of medical equipment, including infusion pumps, trolleys, microscopes, nebulizers, radiant warmers, weighing scales, ECG machines, ultrasound machines, examination lamps, hospital beds, patient monitors, oxygen cylinders and regulators, delivery beds, blood pressure apparatus and other essential medical devices.

He further revealed that government has imported 7,000 motorbikes for nationwide distribution to facilitate outreach services by healthcare professionals, particularly those working in remote communities.

The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Paulina Appiah, welcomed the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative and expressed appreciation to the Government for the timely provision of medical equipment.

She assured the minister that the equipment would be properly maintained and utilized to improve healthcare delivery, adding that the region is fully prepared to implement the initiative successfully.

The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, also pledged the full support of the Regional Coordinating Council towards the implementation of the programme.

He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the initiative achieves its objective of improving access to quality healthcare for every resident in the region.

The Western North engagement forms part of a nationwide stakeholder sensitization and regional rollout being undertaken by the Ministry of Health to build public awareness, strengthen stakeholder ownership and prepare health facilities for the successful implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, a flagship intervention aimed at accelerating Ghana’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

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