The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has explained that the National Health Insurance Scheme had recorded significant growth in enrolment over the past year. He indicated that national coverage has increased from 57 percent to 66 percent, creating greater access to healthcare for millions of people.
According to the Health Minister, the improvement still leaves more than 11 million Ghanaians outside the National Health Insurance Scheme. He stated that government introduced the Free Primary Healthcare programme to bridge that gap and provide basic healthcare services for every citizen.
Discussing the policy during the Resetting Ghana Citizens’ Engagement with President John Mahama at Ho Technical University, Honourable Akandoh said the programme removes financial obstacles that prevent many people from seeking medical attention. He noted that beneficiaries would not be required to present a National Health Insurance card before receiving primary healthcare services.
“For the Free Primary Healthcare, you don’t need to pay any money. You don’t need to show the National Health Insurance card. Once you are a Ghanaian, you will benefit.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
From his perspective, healthcare should remain accessible to every Ghanaian regardless of financial circumstances. The Health Minister explained that the policy seeks to place equal value on the wellbeing of citizens throughout the country.
Additionally, Honourable Akandoh observed that expanding access to primary healthcare would reduce delays in seeking treatment and improve health outcomes. He added that early access to healthcare remains essential in preventing illnesses from developing into more serious conditions.
Furthermore, Honourable Akandoh said the policy demonstrates government’s determination to strengthen healthcare delivery while promoting fairness in access to medical services. He emphasised that every Ghanaian stands to benefit from the initiative irrespective of location or economic background.
Preventive Healthcare Drive Expands Across Communities In Volta Region
The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso also announced that government is expanding primary healthcare infrastructure across the country with a strong focus on preventive healthcare and community based services. He said the first phase of the Free Primary Healthcare programme would benefit 150 districts, including nine districts in the Volta Region.
Honourable Akandoh explained that the policy would be delivered through Community based Health Planning and Services compounds, health centres and polyclinics to ensure essential healthcare reaches communities. He added that President John Dramani Mahama has directed every district to construct at least two CHPS compounds each year to improve access to frontline health services.
According to the Health Minister, more than 400 CHPS compounds have already been completed across the country to strengthen healthcare delivery. He disclosed that government had also introduced container based CHPS compounds and health centres positioned at markets and lorry stations to serve busy communities.
Discussing progress in the Volta Region, Honourable Akandoh stated that five container based health facilities have already been completed. He indicated that additional facilities would be established to improve healthcare access for residents across the region.
Moreover, the Minister explained that the Free Primary Healthcare programme complements the National Health Insurance Scheme by focusing on services delivered at the primary level. He noted that patients requiring treatment beyond primary healthcare would continue to receive support through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“The Free Primary Healthcare ends where the National Health Insurance begins. Healthcare is not sick care because prevention remains the first step towards a healthier nation.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
In addition, Honourable Akandoh emphasised that the policy places significant attention on disease prevention through regular health screening and health promotion activities. He said healthcare professionals would visit homes to conduct routine checks including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing and other basic examinations.
“It is free to you, the Ghanaian, but it is not free to government. Whatever service the providers give, government will pay.”
Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Furthermore, he also disclosed that government has allocated GH¢1.5 billion in this year’s budget to finance the implementation of the programme. He indicated that the allocation demonstrates President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to building a stronger and more accessible healthcare system.
Government Strengthens Healthcare Funding And Workforce Expansion
Honourable Akandoh revealed that government has begun one of the country’s largest healthcare retooling exercises to improve service delivery at primary healthcare facilities. He explained that about 24,000 pieces of medical equipment have been procured for distribution to health facilities across Ghana, with district and municipal hospitals also benefiting from the exercise.
According to the Minister, quality healthcare depends on trained personnel, modern equipment and suitable infrastructure working together. He noted that strengthening these three components would improve patient care and enhance the efficiency of health professionals nationwide.
The Health Minister also appealed to contractors, traditional leaders and citizens to support the Mahama Care initiative through voluntary contributions. He added that government is expanding specialised healthcare by establishing cardiology centres, following the commissioning of the cath lab at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, with additional centres planned for Tamale Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ho and Takoradi.
Discussing employment within the health sector, Honourable Akandoh stated that government has absorbed 13,500 health professionals onto the payroll and was settling their salary arrears. He further disclosed that recruitment of 16,000 additional health workers was underway, with 8,000 already employed and the remaining appointments expected to begin soon.
The Minister indicated that strengthening the health workforce is essential to delivering quality healthcare across the country. He added that sustained investment in financing, equipment, specialised services and human resources would position Ghana’s health sector to meet the growing needs of its population.
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