President John Dramani Mahama has launched Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme in Dodowa, describing it as a key step toward achieving universal health coverage.

The President said the programme is intended to improve access to healthcare at the community level and complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he noted has expanded access to care but still faces gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

He explained that the initiative will focus on preventive healthcare, with every Ghanaian expected to undergo at least one health screening annually. These screenings will cover conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to support early detection and treatment.

According to him, treatment for common illnesses including malaria, cholera and minor respiratory infections will be provided free at CHPS compounds, health centres and community kiosks. More serious cases will be referred to district hospitals, where patients will access care using their NHIS cards.

President Mahama said the programme is aimed at expanding access to basic healthcare services, strengthening early detection of diseases, and improving overall health outcomes.

He also announced the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares, to support patients with advanced medical conditions requiring specialised treatment such as dialysis.

The programme will also include public health education on lifestyle-related conditions such as hypertension, stroke, cancer and diabetes, with emphasis on diet, exercise and routine medical check-ups.

He added that implementation will involve trained health volunteers, including national service personnel and unemployed health professionals, to support screening, basic care and public education.

Mobile health clinics will be reintroduced to reach remote communities, alongside health kiosks in areas without CHPS compounds.

The programme will be rolled out in 150 underserved districts, with nationwide coverage expected by 2028.

President Mahama declared the programme launched, saying it is expected to improve healthcare delivery across the country.