Health Minister Kwabena Minta-Akandoh says the Free Primary Healthcare Programme will offer financial protection by making essential health services free at the point of use.

Speaking at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme at Dodowa, he said the initiative will prioritise preventive care through routine screening, early diagnosis and expanded community outreach, aimed at detecting illnesses before they become severe.

He explained that services across CHPS compounds, health centres and public clinics will be integrated to improve efficiency and ensure continuity of care, while shifting the focus of the health system from treatment to prevention.

The minister expressed confidence that by 2030, out-of-pocket health spending will decline significantly, access to essential services will expand, and congestion at hospitals will reduce.

Mr Minta-Akandoh also disclosed that government has completed key policy and financing frameworks, initiated legislative reforms and strengthened coordination among major health institutions to support the rollout.

He revealed that over 24,000 pieces of medical equipment have been procured and will be distributed to 150 districts in the first phase of implementation.

To enhance outreach, he said trained volunteers will be deployed to support health workers, while more than 350 container-based service points will be established in high-traffic areas such as markets and transport terminals.

The minister added that the programme is designed to bring healthcare closer to communities, with health workers and volunteers actively screening and educating the public.