The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has disbursed GH¢35,099,215.84 as first‑quarter payment to 107 districts implementing Ghana’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme.
Launched on April 15, 2026 at Dodowa by President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative represents a major expansion of community‑level health financing. Unlike the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which reimburses providers per service, the FPHC operates on a population‑based model, allocating resources according to district population size. This gives districts predictable, upfront funding to plan and deliver preventive care consistently.
Preventive and Promotive Care
The FPHC delivers services at CHPS compounds, health posts, centres, and polyclinics, focusing on underserved districts. Services include:
- Routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancers.
- Maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, immunisations, and growth monitoring.
- Treatment of common illnesses including malaria, cholera, and respiratory infections.
- Community outreach activities like home visits, school engagements, and public education campaigns.
While primary care under FPHC is free, referrals to higher‑level hospitals still require a valid NHIS card.
Strengthening Early Detection
NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe explained that the programme is designed to keep Ghanaians healthier through regular checks and lifestyle guidance. “Focusing attention on early detection presents a better and cheaper treatment than waiting for sicknesses to fully develop,” he said.
He encouraged residents in participating districts to take advantage of the programme by checking their vitals regularly and following professional advice.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the rollout and funding of the FPHC, describing it as a complement to the NHIS in Ghana’s broader pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. Together, the two schemes anchor prevention, early detection, and treatment, ensuring equitable access to healthcare without financial barriers.
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