The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has explained that the forthcoming Free Primary Healthcare programme will function alongside the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting that both systems are designed to complement each other within Ghana’s healthcare framework.

Speaking to the media on Monday, April 13, he indicated that while the new policy will cater for essential services at the primary level, it will not cover all aspects of care, and patients may still rely on the NHIS for more advanced treatment.

He stated that the initiative is focused on frontline healthcare delivery, including services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics, with a strong emphasis on prevention and health promotion.

He added that cases requiring referral to higher-level facilities such as district, regional and teaching hospitals will continue to fall under the NHIS.

The Minister also encouraged individuals who are not yet registered under the scheme to do so, stressing that it remains a vital component of healthcare financing in the country despite the rollout of the new policy.

“There is a clear difference between the Free Primary Healthcare and the NHIS subscriber. We have clearly defined those facilities; CHPS Compounds, Health Centres, Polyclinics, promotive and preventive.

“So when you are supposed to be referred to a District Hospital, Regional Hospital, Teaching Hospitals, Quaternary level, it is your National Health Insurance that will save you. So the NHIS is still relevant,” he said.