Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare by removing key financial and administrative barriers under the newly introduced Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
Speaking at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, the President disclosed that services under the programme will be provided completely free of charge and will not require a subscription to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
According to him, patients seeking care under the initiative will only need a valid form of identification, such as the Ghana Card, to access services. This move is expected to significantly widen healthcare coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations who are unable to afford NHIS registration or renewal.
President Mahama emphasized that the policy marks a major shift from the traditional “pay before service” model to a more inclusive system focused on preventive and primary care. He noted that by eliminating upfront costs, the government aims to encourage early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the burden of severe illnesses on both families and the national health system.
The Free Primary Healthcare Programme is being rolled out in phases, beginning with underserved districts across the country. Health officials believe the initiative will ease pressure on secondary and tertiary facilities while strengthening community-level healthcare delivery.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by residents and health advocates, who see it as a bold step toward achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
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