The Ghana Health Service has held an orientation and sensitisation workshop for service leadership in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the national launch of the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) initiative, a key government intervention aimed at advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with GHS, seeks to remove financial barriers to essential primary health services while strengthening preventive, promotive, and basic curative care at the community level. It will ensure that certain essential services are delivered free at the point of care, from CHPS compounds to polyclinic level, improving equitable access to healthcare and enhancing early detection and management of diseases.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Caroline Amissah Reindorf described the initiative as a transformative opportunity for the Service to refocus efforts on prevention and health promotion. She emphasised the need for alignment, coordination, and active participation across all levels of the health system to ensure a successful rollout.
Providing an overview of the policy, Director of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PPMED) of the Service, Dr. Samuel K. Boakye- Boateng, highlighted that the initiative will also address inefficiencies in service delivery, strengthen referral systems, and improve overall health outcomes.
As part of implementation, new health posts are being introduced to expand access to services, particularly in underserved communities. The Director of the Institutional Care Division (ICD) of the Service, Dr. Lawrence Ofori Boadu, explained that these facilities will enhance service delivery through improved infrastructure, digital health integration, and efficient patient management systems.
On community engagement, Ag. Director of Health Promotion, Mrs. Mabel Kisiwaa Asafo, underscored the importance of sustained public education and stakeholder involvement. She outlined strategies including community outreach, media engagement, and the use of local communication channels to ensure widespread awareness and acceptance of the initiative.
The orientation session also clarified roles and responsibilities at regional and district levels, highlighted priority actions, and provided a platform for discussion and alignment among leadership.
The Free Primary Health Care initiative is expected to be rolled out in phases, beginning with selected districts, with a nationwide scale-up planned by 2027. The initiative reinforces Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship.