President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care(PHC) policy, describing it as a major step toward achieving universal health coverage and shifting the country’s focus from curative to preventive healthcare.

The launch took place at the Shia Osudoku District Hospital, a facility opened during his first term in office.

The President noted that the new policy is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by prioritising early detection, routine screening, and lifestyle education to tackle the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Under the initiative, Ghanaians will have access to free screening and basic treatment services at CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics, and newly established “health kiosks” in underserved communities.

Services will include blood pressure and blood sugar checks, body mass index (BMI) assessments, temperature screening, breast cancer checks, and provision of basic medications for conditions such as malaria, cholera, and respiratory infections.

At the primary care level, patients will not be required to present an NHIS card but must provide a Ghanacard or valid identification to confirm residency.

More complex cases will be referred to district hospitals under the NHIS, while advanced conditions such as kidney failure requiring dialysis will be covered by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “Mahama Cares.”

President Mahama called on traditional and religious leaders to support the initiative by encouraging community members to undergo at least one health screening annually.

He stressed the importance of preventive care, linking unhealthy lifestyles—including poor diet and physical inactivity—to rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancers, and kidney disease.

To support implementation, national service personnel and graduate nurses awaiting posting will be engaged as health volunteers and prioritised for future employment.

They will be equipped with essential medical kits, including thermometers, glucose monitors, blood pressure devices, and stethoscopes, to facilitate community outreach.

The programme will begin in 2026 across 150 underserved districts nationwide, with full national rollout expected by 2028. Mobile “Onu Ado” clinics will also be reintroduced to extend healthcare services to hard-to-reach areas.

President Mahama commended staff of the Shai Osudoku District Hospital for maintaining high standards of care, noting the facility’s record of zero maternal and infant mortality and its growing reputation, which attracts patients from neighbouring regions.

He emphasised that the policy is not a replacement for the NHIS but rather a complementary intervention to improve access to primary healthcare services.

The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, Council of State member Nene Drolor Bosso Adamte, and Fiona Bracca of the World Health Organization, alongside traditional leaders, clergy, and health officials.

Declaring the policy officially launched, President Mahama described it as a transformative step toward building a healthier nation and ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.