The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, has said the upcoming rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare policy will help remove financial barriers that prevent many Ghanaians from accessing basic healthcare.
The policy, which is aimed at expanding access to basic healthcare services at the primary level, is expected to improve early detection and treatment of diseases.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, April 14, Dr Bampoe described the initiative as a “game-changer,” noting that it will incorporate preventive and promotive healthcare services.
He explained that under the policy, health workers will not be limited to facilities but will actively engage communities to provide care and education.
“A lot of people will not go to the hospital because of the financial barrier. So, they will try to manage things; they will not go to the hospital to pay money and all that. If you make it free, then it’s interesting for people to go to health facilities. You remove that financial barrier,” he stated.
Dr Bampoe added that early detection significantly reduces the risk of diseases progressing into more severe conditions.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has said the policy will focus on services delivered at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics, with a strong emphasis on preventive and promotive care.
According to him, the scope of services will go beyond basic treatment to include cancer screening and comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, such as antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, and growth monitoring.
He further noted that the policy will prioritise public health education, including counselling on non-communicable diseases, family planning, immunisation, safe water practices, and menstrual hygiene.
The government says the initiative is expected to improve access to healthcare and strengthen Ghana’s primary healthcare system.