The Acting Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Upper East Region, Dr. Salifu Kombat, has expressed profound appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the launch of Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care Programme, describing it as a transformative intervention aimed at improving access to healthcare nationwide.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Kombat, on behalf of the region, commended the government for what he termed a bold and people-centered initiative that seeks to remove financial barriers to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“On behalf of the region, we commend His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the successful launch of the Free Primary Health Care Programme. This bold initiative will remove financial barriers and expand access to essential health services for all Ghanaians, especially the vulnerable,”
Dr. Kombat reaffirmed the region’s readiness to support the successful rollout of the programme, emphasizing the need for strengthened service delivery and community-level impact.
“As a region, we reaffirm our commitment to support effective implementation, strengthen service delivery, and ensure that quality primary health care reaches every community,” he added.
He further noted that the initiative represents a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
The Free Primary Health Care Programme is designed to provide essential, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to all residents across Ghana, forming a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to attain UHC by 2030.
Under the programme, a comprehensive package of services will be delivered, including:
Preventive Services: Routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, mental health conditions, and cancers.
Maternal and Child Health Services:
Antenatal care, postnatal care, immunization, and growth monitoring.
Curative Services:
Treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections.
Basic Emergency Care: Counselling and referral services to higher-level health facilities.
Beneficiaries of the programme will be required to present valid identification, including the Ghana Card, voter ID, or National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, in order to access services.
Despite the introduction of free primary healthcare, the NHIS will continue to play a critical role in covering services beyond the primary level, including care at district, regional, and teaching hospitals.
According to health authorities, the programme will be implemented in phases, beginning with 150 underserved districts, with plans to achieve nationwide coverage by 2028.
Funding for the initiative will be based on a hybrid model. Preventive services will be financed through population-based payments, while curative services will be reimbursed under the NHIS framework to ensure sustainability.
The programme is expected to significantly improve health outcomes by promoting early detection of diseases, reducing complications associated with delayed treatment, and lowering out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for citizens.
Health experts believe the initiative will also help reduce catastrophic health spending and improve the overall well-being of Ghanaians.
Dr. Kombat expressed optimism that the programme will usher in a new era in Ghana’s healthcare system.
“Together, we move closer to achieving universal health coverage in Ghana,”he affirmed.
Source: BlueWaves radio 93.7Fm|Maurice Duncan
