The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in the Western North Region, reaffirming government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring every Ghanaian has access to quality primary healthcare without financial hardship. The regional rollout featured a radio sensitization programme and stakeholder engagements with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), district health directors, medical superintendents and other health professionals.
Addressing stakeholders, the Minister explained that the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) are complementary interventions designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system. He noted that the initiative, currently being rolled out in an initial 150 districts, is aimed at shifting the country’s focus from sick care to comprehensive and preventive healthcare through the retooling of hospitals, health centres and CHPS compounds, as well as the introduction of health kiosks.
The community launch was held at Sefwi Akontombra, while the regional launch and the presentation of medical equipment took place at the Western North Regional Health Directorate in Bodi. Hon. Akandoh announced that the Western North Region is among three regions earmarked for new regional hospitals under the Government’s 2026 Budget and disclosed plans to establish a polyclinic in one of the region’s districts.
The Minister also revealed that more than 100 medical doctors have been deployed to underserved regions, including 15 to the Western North Region, with measures being introduced to motivate health workers. To improve healthcare delivery, he handed over 76 categories of medical equipment, including ECG and ultrasound machines, patient monitors, hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, infusion pumps, microscopes, nebulizers and delivery beds. He further announced that 7,000 motorbikes have been procured for nationwide distribution to support healthcare outreach in remote communities.
The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Appiah, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the medical equipment, assuring government that it would be properly maintained and utilized to improve healthcare delivery. The Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum, pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s full support to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Western North engagement forms part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide stakeholder sensitization and regional rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and accelerating Ghana’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
