President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to take full advantage of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative, stressing that the programme was introduced to improve access to quality healthcare and promote the early detection and treatment of illnesses.
He made the call during an inspection of the Free Primary Healthcare Hospital project at Ohiaba in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District of the Central Region.
President Mahama explained that the Free Primary Healthcare policy is designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to every Ghanaian, particularly those in underserved communities who often struggle to access basic medical care.
According to him, the policy will focus on preventing diseases through regular health screenings, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment, thereby reducing the burden of serious illnesses on families and the nation’s healthcare system.
He announced that trained health workers would soon embark on nationwide community outreach programmes, visiting homes to conduct free medical screenings, provide health education, and administer essential medications where necessary.
The President assured residents that beneficiaries of the programme would receive free primary healthcare services without paying consultation or treatment fees covered under the policy.
He therefore encouraged all Ghanaians to embrace the initiative and not let the opportunity go to waste by neglecting routine medical check-ups.
President Mahama emphasized that regular health screenings help detect diseases at an early stage, making treatment easier and reducing avoidable deaths.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, commended President Mahama for introducing the Free Primary Healthcare policy, describing it as a landmark intervention that will significantly improve healthcare delivery across the country.
He stated that the initiative is built on three key pillars: Free Primary Healthcare Services, Free National Health Insurance enrolment and renewal, and the Mahama Care programme, all aimed at ensuring universal access to quality healthcare.
According to the Minister, the policy is a long-term national intervention that will strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and improve the well-being of citizens.
He appealed to all Ghanaians to enrol in or renew their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership to fully benefit from the programme and other healthcare services.
Hon. Akandoh also advised the public to make it a habit to undergo a medical check-up at least once a year to detect potential health conditions early and receive timely treatment.
