The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured Ghanaians that the newly launched Free Primary Health Care Policy will not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but will operate alongside it to improve access to healthcare.

The Minister gave the assurance during the launch of the policy at Twifo Hemang in the Central Region.

According to Mr Akandoh, the policy is designed to complement the NHIS and strengthen the delivery of healthcare services across the country.

He noted that the previous government initiated the Agenda 111 programme to construct hospitals nationwide and expressed the expectation that 35 of the facilities, including the Twifo District Hospital, would be completed this year.

Mr Akandoh explained that the Free Primary Health Care Policy will be implemented at the level of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics, while the NHIS will continue to cover services provided at district hospitals and higher-level health facilities.

The District Director of Health Services for Twifo Hemang, Dr Daniel Baah, said the policy would improve access to healthcare and help reduce financial barriers that prevent residents from seeking medical attention.

The District Chief Executive for Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, Patrick Fiable, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the initiative and said efforts would be made to ensure its successful implementation in the district.