By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, July 04, GNA – Residents of the Upper East Region will soon receive free primary healthcare in markets, schools, homes and other community spaces under the Government’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme.
The service would not require active membership of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The initiative, launched in Bolgatanga, shifted healthcare delivery beyond hospitals by focusing on disease prevention, early detection and health promotion, with 14 of the region’s 15 districts already implementing the first phase.
Under the programme, communities would receive free services including immunization, antenatal and postnatal care, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections, screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and selected cancers, family planning, mental health support and health education.
To improve access, health posts and kiosks would be established in 11 busy markets, lorry stations and remote communities, bringing essential healthcare closer to residents who often face difficulties accessing health facilities.
Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, said the programme represented a major shift from a healthcare system that mainly treated illness to one that prioritized keeping people healthy.
“Quality healthcare is an inalienable right and should be enjoyed by every Ghanaian,” he said, when he addressed participants at the Regional launch of the programme.
It was held on the theme: “Free Primary Health Care: Removing Financial Barriers Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
The launch brought together stakeholders including representatives of the Market Women Association, officials from the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, the Ghana Medical Association, among other key stakeholders in the region.
Dr Abubakari stressed that the FPHC initiative would ensure people accessed essential healthcare services regardless of where they lived.
He explained that unlike the NHIS, which primarily financed treatment when people fall sick, the FPHC programme funded preventive and promotive healthcare services and does not require NHIS membership for beneficiaries to access those services.
Dr Abubakari further clarified that the FPHC programme complemented rather than replace the NHIS.
“The NHIS primarily provides financial protection for individuals who seek treatment at health facilities. The Free Primary Health Care Programme bridges an important gap by financing preventive and promotive healthcare services that were previously not comprehensively covered,” he explained.
He emphasised that essential preventive services including screening for chronic diseases, selected cancers and mental health conditions, treatment of minor ailments and health education would be provided free of charge irrespective of an individual’s NHIS membership status.
The Regional Director, however, advised residents to maintain active NHIS membership as referrals for further treatment after diagnosis would still be covered under the insurance scheme.
Mr Sebastian Alagpulinsa, the Director of Membership and Operations of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in remarks on behalf of Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, described the initiative as a significant boost to Ghana’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He disclosed that more than 26 million Ghanaians, which was about 76 per cent of the population, were currently enrolled on the NHIS, expressing confidence that the country would attain its target of 80 per cent population coverage before the end of the year.
According to him, expanding preventive healthcare through the FPHC programme would reduce the number of people developing severe illnesses, ultimately lowering healthcare costs and easing pressure on the National Health Insurance Fund.
The Free Primary Health Care Programme forms part of the Government’s flagship health interventions aimed at expanding access to essential healthcare services, particularly for underserved communities, while accelerating Ghana’s drive towards UHC by 2030.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Email: [email protected]