By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Paga (U/E), June 3, GNA – The Kassena-Nankana West District has been selected as one of 150 districts across the country to benefit from the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama.
The initiative, launched in April 2026, was part of efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
Addressing the first ordinary meeting of the District Assembly, Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, announced that the initiative was expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services for residents by providing free essential health services at primary health facilities across the district.
He said the FPHC programme would further strengthen preventive and community-based healthcare through intensified public education campaigns, deployment of community health volunteers, and home visitation services.
To improve outreach, especially in hard-to-reach communities, the DCE, who is a nurse by profession, said the initiative would provide tricycles to support healthcare delivery.
He noted that the programme, when fully implemented, would help address transportation challenges and enhance the overall efficiency of health service delivery across the district.
Mr Akurugo added that the ‘Agenda 111’ hospital project in the district was identified as one of 35 hospitals nationwide to be prioritised for completion during the first phase of the government’s implementation plan.
He said the project, which was about 70 per cent complete, was among the health infrastructure projects highlighted by President Mahama for accelerated completion.
Mr Akurugo said the facility would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services for residents upon completion.
He told participants at the meeting that the District Health Directorate successfully completed and handed over a children’s ward at the Kassena-Nankana East Health Centre with its Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
He said the new facility was expected to enhance healthcare services for children and reduce pressure on existing health infrastructure.
“However, the office accommodation project initiated by the Directorate with the same funding source remains at the foundation level due to inadequate funds,” he stated.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu