GHANA TAKES FREE PRIMARY CARE TO 135 DISTRICTS AS GOVERNMENT TARGETS NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada
Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme has expanded to 135 districts across all 16 regions, with government targeting nationwide coverage by 2027.
The initiative is currently being delivered through 4,447 health facilities, comprising 3,774 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, 632 health centres and 41 polyclinics.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed the progress during a media engagement in Accra, where he said training had been completed for regional, district and sub-district health teams.
A further 127 facilities operated under the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) have also received training on the programme’s policy, benefits, financing and service-delivery requirements.
Government has deployed 24,534 pieces of essential equipment, more than 10,000 motorbikes and tricycles, as well as 5,000 outreach kits to strengthen community-level healthcare.
The equipment is expected to enable health workers to provide services in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and other locations beyond conventional health facilities.
Government has also completed and handed over 30 prefabricated health kiosks for deployment across six regions and 30 districts. A total of 217 kiosks are expected to be completed within six months, with 30 targeted for delivery by October 1, 2026.
The FPHC package includes screening for hypertension and diabetes, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, selected cancer and mental health screening, antenatal care, immunisation, child health services and newborn follow-up.
It also covers family planning, treatment of common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, as well as nutrition, hygiene and healthy-lifestyle education.
Patients requiring specialised or hospital-based treatment will continue to access higher-level services through the National Health Insurance Scheme or Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
Importantly, the Minister said FPHC services are available regardless of a person’s NHIS membership status.
Government had allocated GH¢79.624 million to implementation activities as of September 5, 2026.
MAIN QUOTE
“The Government has distributed 24,534 pieces of essential equipment, more than 10,000 motorbikes and tricycles, and 5,000 outreach kits to support community-level healthcare delivery.” – Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
