Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has begun consultations with health sector stakeholders as government prepares to introduce the Free Primary Healthcare policy in March.
He said the meeting was a listening exercise aimed at gathering technical input to refine the policy ahead of Cabinet and parliamentary consideration.
The initiative is a core manifesto commitment for 2024 and is aligned with the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2025–2029), which guides health sector priorities over the medium term.
Dr Belinda Afriyie Nimako said the Free Primary Healthcare policy leverages existing primary healthcare infrastructure, including CHPS compounds, health centres and the NHIS, while incorporating reforms designed to expand coverage and strengthen preventive healthcare delivery.
Dr. Nimako claims that the policy’s financing structure uses a blended payment approach that combines population-based and fee-for-service payments with equity and performance adjustments to improve outcomes in underprivileged areas and encourage preventative treatment.
Dr Nimako said the policy will allow people to access primary healthcare services free at the point of use, without registering with the NHIS.
She said the package will cover preventive care, basic treatment, essential medicines, diagnostics, maternal and child health, mental health services and emergency stabilisation, with more consultations planned before the March rollout.