The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative in the Volta Region, reaffirming government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.
During his working visit, Hon. Akandoh paid a courtesy call on the Asogli State, engaging traditional leaders on the objectives and expected impact of the programme. The traditional authorities welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative intervention that would benefit underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister explained that the FPHC initiative is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), forming part of government’s broader health sector reset agenda. He emphasized a shift from “sick care” to a system prioritizing prevention, early detection, health promotion, and community-based care.
“Our healthcare system has become overly reliant on sick care. The Free Primary Healthcare initiative is a key component of our reset agenda to build a more comprehensive, preventive, and people-centred healthcare system that serves all Ghanaians effectively,” Hon. Akandoh stated.
Under the programme, every Ghanaian with a valid national identification card will be eligible to access primary healthcare services. However, referrals to higher levels of care will require active NHIS membership, underscoring the importance of enrollment.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, commended the initiative, stressing that its success would depend on strong collaboration among government institutions, health professionals, traditional authorities, and citizens.
Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Deputy Director-General Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah lauded the Minister’s leadership, noting that training activities are ongoing nationwide to operationalize the programme. She disclosed that health workers will conduct home and community visits, monitor key health indicators, and provide preventive services, supported by additional logistics supplied by the Ministry of Health.
As part of the regional tour, Hon. Akandoh conducted mini-launches and inspection visits at health facilities including the Kpetoe Health Centre, Agortime-Akpokorpe CHPS Compound, Ave-Dakpa Health Centre, and Dzodze Health Post. He also handed over essential logistics such as tricycles, motorbikes, delivery beds, home-visit kits, and equipment for Community Health Officers.
The Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Dr. Senanu Kwaku Dzokoto of the NHIA, Dr. Peter Yeboah of CHAG, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu of the Ghana Health Service, and Dr. Atsu Dodor, Volta Regional Director of Health Services.
The launch in Volta Region forms part of government’s determination to expand access to quality healthcare nationwide and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
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