HON. KWABENA M. AKANDOH UNVEILS FREE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE IN OTI REGION
On 9th May 2026, the Minister of Health officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare Programme in the Oti Region, marking a significant step toward improving access to quality healthcare services for residents. The initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on citizens while strengthening healthcare delivery across the region and Ghana as a whole.
Speaking at the launch alongside a team from Beyond FM 90.7, the Health Minister stated that the initiative reflects the vision and commitment of the President of the Republic, who promised Ghanaians during his campaign to introduce a free primary healthcare programme.
According to the Minister, the implementation of the programme demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving access to healthcare and ensuring that every Ghanaian can receive primary healthcare services without financial difficulty. He added that the policy represents an important step toward achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
The Minister further explained that if Ghana seeks to transform its healthcare system from one that mainly focuses on treating illnesses into a stronger preventive healthcare system, then there is a need to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country.
He noted that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme complements both the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Mahama Cares. According to him, all citizens need in order to access the programme is proof of Ghanaian identification.
He clarified that the policy is not intended to replace the NHIS, explaining that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme covers services from CHPS compounds up to polyclinics. He assured citizens that, with time, the programme may be extended to teaching hospitals.
The Minister also advised the public to avoid politicising issues concerning their health and to embrace the policy in good faith while supporting health practitioners in their work.
Addressing the youth, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in the health sector but discouraged by previous challenges with salary disbursement, he urged them to reconsider. He revealed that the government is working toward signing Memoranda of Understanding with other countries to enable some Ghanaian health workers to work abroad, which would also help boost the economy through remittances.
The Oti Regional Minister noted that the region has historically lagged behind in terms of adequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure. He expressed satisfaction that the Minister of Health has initiated this important effort aimed at strengthening and improving the healthcare sector in the region.
He further urged the public to cooperate fully and support the successful implementation of the programme, adding that more details about the Free Primary Healthcare initiative would be provided in due course.
