President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that tricycles recently distributed under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme are not ambulances, but specialised vehicles designed to support community-based healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony of a 24-Hour market in Bimbilla, the president says the tricycles are purpose-built to enable health workers and volunteers to move efficiently from one community to another, delivering essential primary healthcare services.

He explained that the vehicles are fitted with compartments to safely transport vaccines while maintaining the required cold chain during outreach activities.

The tricycles will primarily support vaccination campaigns, routine health screenings, and the early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

President Mahama further noted that in communities where health workers are able to ride motorcycles, motorcycles will be provided for similar outreach purposes. In areas where this is not feasible, tricycles will serve as the alternative mode of transport.

He emphasised the clear distinction between these vehicles and ambulances, stressing that ambulances are reserved strictly for emergency medical transport.

The clarification follows public misconceptions suggesting that the tricycles were intended for emergency response. The President reiterated that the vehicles are solely dedicated to outreach services, preventive care, vaccination delivery and community health engagement.

The initiative forms part of the broader Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which prioritises prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to basic health services across the country.