By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), May 09, GNA- Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, -the Minister of Health, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to support and sustain the government’s newly launched Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy aimed at making essential health services accessible and free at the point of use.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in the Oti Region as part of activities marking the launch of the initiative, the Minister said the policy sought to reposition Ghana’s healthcare system towards preventive care while eliminating financial barriers that prevent many people, particularly those in underserved communities, from seeking timely medical attention.
He explained that the policy, launched this year by President John Dramani Mahama, would strengthen and expand primary healthcare facilities, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics, to serve as the first point of care for communities.
Mr Akandoh noted that the free healthcare package covered essential services such as maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, malaria treatment and screening for non-communicable diseases including hypertension and diabetes.
According to him, the initiative was intended to promote early detection and treatment of illnesses, reduce complications and help prevent avoidable deaths.
The Minister said the policy would also address the “no money syndrome,” where individuals delayed seeking healthcare due to financial constraints, leading to worsening health conditions and preventable fatalities.
He therefore urged health professionals, traditional authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure the successful rollout and long-term sustainability of the programme.
Mr Akandoh stressed that coordination, professional cooperation and shared responsibility would be critical to achieving nationwide coverage and sustaining the reforms.
At the engagement, Nana Bonja Attamafuwuesi, the Paramount Chief of the Chonke Traditional Area, commended the government for introducing the policy, describing it as a major step towards improving access to quality healthcare for poor and vulnerable communities.
He also appealed to the Minister to prioritise the construction and completion of the Oti Regional Hospital within his tenure, noting that the facility would significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region by improving access to specialised medical services and reducing pressure on lower-level health facilities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah