By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, June 15 (GNA) – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has described the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme as a demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and advancing the primary healthcare agenda.
The programme was launched in Ho on Friday by Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, following its national launch by President John Mahama in April this year. The initiative is a key government intervention aimed at advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch, Mr Akandoh said: “Our healthcare system has become overly reliant on sick care. The FPHC initiative is a key component of our reset agenda to build a more comprehensive, preventive and people-centred healthcare system that serves all Ghanaians effectively.”
Mr Gunu noted that the programme, currently being rolled out in 150 underserved districts with nationwide expansion planned by 2027, underscored the government’s resolve to provide equitable, accessible and quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.
He described primary healthcare as the foundation of a strong health system, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community participation, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
“The Government of Ghana continues to prioritise investments in the health sector as part of its broader development agenda. Through the implementation of primary healthcare strategies, we seek to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services, and move steadily towards the attainment of UHC,” he said.
Mr. Gunu commended healthcare professionals, development partners, traditional leaders and community stakeholders in the Volta Region for their dedication and sacrifice in improving healthcare delivery.
He urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to work closely with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and development partners to address healthcare needs, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The Regional Minister stressed that investment in preventive healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, maternal and child health, and health education remained essential to sustainable development. He said achieving these goals required a whole-of-society approach and collective support.
“Together, we can build a healthier Volta Region where every citizen has the opportunity to lead a productive and fulfilling life,” he stated.
The launch, attended by representatives of the Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, National Health Insurance Authority, Health Facilities Regulatory Agency, the Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, and Municipal and District Chief Executives, among others, also featured visits to primary healthcare facilities and donations of medical equipment to centres in Kpetoe and Ave-Dakpa.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, Volta Regional Director of Health Services, said five of the region’s 18 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, including Agotime-Ziope and Akatsi North, had been selected to benefit from the programme.
He explained that every Ghanaian possessing a valid national identification card in the selected districts could access free healthcare services at primary health facilities such as CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics and health kiosks.
Nene Nuer Keteku IV, Konor (Paramount Chief) of the Agotime Traditional Area, on behalf of his people, expressed appreciation to the Mahama administration for the intervention and for selecting Agotime-Ziope as one of the first beneficiary districts.
He described the programme as a bold step towards achieving health equity.
However, he appealed to the government to complete the stalled Agotime-Ziope Agenda 111 hospital project to meet the healthcare needs of the district.
According to him, the absence of a district hospital places significant financial and emotional burdens on families, as residents are compelled to travel to neighbouring districts for referrals and other specialised healthcare services.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA