Upper East Region Launches Free Primary Health Care Policy to Advance Universal Health Coverage
The Upper East Region has officially launched the *Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) Policy, marking a major step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana. The initiative, led by the Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, was launched under the theme: “Free Primary Health Care (FPHC): Removing Financial Barriers Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
The event took place at the John Koku Awoonor In-Service Training and Conference Centre in Bolgatanga and brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, and members of the media.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, was represented by the Director of Membership and Regional Operations, Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa. He was accompanied by the Deputy Director of Information Technology, Mr. Samson Anim Ato, the Upper East Regional Director of NHIA, Dr. Salifu Kombat, and the Regional Public Relations Manager, Mr. Alhassan Suwaidu.
Other dignitaries present included the representative of the Upper East Regional Minister, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Roland Ayoo, the Regional Director of Health Services, heads of institutions, traditional leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of the media.
Delivering the CEO’s address, Mr. Sebastian Alagpulinsa reaffirmed the NHIA’s unwavering commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage. He revealed that, following an intensive nationwide membership registration campaign, the NHIA had registered approximately 26 million residents, enabling the Authority to attain 76 percent of its Universal Health Coverage target as of May 2026.
He called on all Ghanaians to become ambassadors of the Free Primary Health Care Policy by educating their families, workplaces, and communities on its benefits, stressing that collective participation is essential for Ghana to achieve Universal Health Coverage by the end of 2026.
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Mr. Alagpulinsa explained that the Free Primary Health Care Policy is primarily a preventive healthcare intervention aimed at providing free essential healthcare services at CHPS compounds, clinics, polyclinics, and health centres. He clarified, however, that an active National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership remains mandatory for accessing healthcare services at district and regional hospitals.
He further noted that active NHIS membership is also a prerequisite for benefiting from the Mahama Cares programme, particularly when patients require specialised or advanced medical treatment.
According to him, the NHIA continues to absorb substantial healthcare costs to reduce financial barriers and expand access to quality healthcare services for residents across the country, while also providing coverage for eligible visitors who require healthcare services in Ghana.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts to ensure that every individual has access to affordable, quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.
Mr. Alagpulinsa also expressed appreciation to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and supporting policies aimed at improving access to healthcare for all.
The launch concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among stakeholders to build a resilient, accessible, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering quality services to every Ghanaian.
By: Alhassan Suwaidu
Regional Public Relations Manager
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) – Upper East Region
Source; MyBlueWavesonlin.com| MauriceDuncan| Bolgatanga
