Government of Ghana has expanded its Free Primary Healthcare Programme to 135 underserved districts as part of efforts to achieve nationwide Universal Health Coverage by 2027.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the expansion at a media engagement in Accra, saying the programme is aimed at removing financial barriers to basic healthcare.
The initiative provides free preventive and basic treatment services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics.
Services covered include malaria treatment, respiratory infections, hypertension and diabetes management, cancer and mental health screening, antenatal and postnatal care, child immunisation and family planning.
Mr. Akandoh said primary healthcare accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the health needs of Ghanaians, stressing that improved access to basic care would help reduce pressure on district and regional hospitals.
To support the programme, government has distributed more than 24,000 pieces of medical equipment to health facilities in the beneficiary districts. The items include diagnostic tools, blood pressure monitors, motorbikes and mobile outreach kits.
The Health Minister said government plans to extend the programme to all 261 districts by 2027 as part of Ghana’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Esther Opoku
