President Mahama rolls out “Free Primary Healthcare” policy to boost universal coverage

President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care policy, a major initiative aimed at expanding access to basic healthcare services and accelerating the country’s drive toward universal health coverage.

Speaking at the launch at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, President Mahama said the policy is designed to close gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

“Every country is working to achieve universal health coverage… where every citizen has access to quality, affordable care,” he said. “But we still have pockets of underserved areas, especially in the rural areas.”

The President emphasised that the new policy will complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), rather than replace it. “The free primary health care is complementary to the national health insurance. It doesn’t replace it,” he stated.

Under the initiative, primary healthcare services including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of basic illnesses will be provided free of charge at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. Citizens will not be required to present an NHIS card at this level but can access services with basic identification.

A central feature of the policy is preventive care, with a strong focus on early detection of diseases. President Mahama announced that all Ghanaians will be encouraged to undergo routine health checks. “At least every Ghanaian must be screened once a year,” he said, adding that screenings will cover conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.

He warned that lifestyle-related illnesses are becoming the leading cause of disease in Ghana. “Non-communicable diseases have become the heaviest disease burden in Ghana… because of the change in our lifestyle,” he noted, calling for improved diets and increased physical activity.

For patients requiring more advanced treatment, referrals will be made to district hospitals under NHIS coverage. In cases involving specialised care, such as dialysis, the government will provide support through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. “You’ll be referred to a kidney dialysis centre and you can go and do your kidney dialysis free of charge,” the President said.

To support the rollout, the government will deploy health volunteers, including national service personnel and trained health professionals awaiting posting, to deliver community-based screening and education. Mobile clinics and newly introduced health kiosks will also be used to reach remote communities.

The programme will begin in 150 selected districts this year, with a nationwide rollout expected by 2028.

President Mahama described the initiative as a transformative step in Ghana’s healthcare system, aimed at bringing services closer to the people and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.