Free Primary Health Care Programme to Begin in 150 Underserved Districts- Akandoh
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the roll-out of the Free Primary Health Care Programme in phases, beginning in 150 underserved districts across the country on April 15, 2026.
As part of this, the government intends to immediately distribute health equipment to all 150 districts to guarantee free access to defined packages of essential services at the primary healthcare level, including CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics nationwide.
Speaking at a press conference on April 13, 2026, he said the community sensitisation will be done through town halls and engagements, while trained volunteers will be deployed to support the community health workforce.
He announced plans to set up over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas such as markets and lorry parks.
The programme, which was described as connected, continuous, and people-centred, also includes mobile health services such as screening and sensitisation rendered by health workers and volunteers in homes, schools, churches, and workplaces.
He said the initiative is geared towards enhanced promotive and preventive healthcare.
Under the Programme, the Minister said, “A person in a community will go to their nearest CHPS compound, health centre or polyclinic. They can walk in, or they may be reached through community outreach. A health worker may even visit them at home. At the facility, they will not only be treated for immediate concerns but also undergo routine screenings for conditions that often go undetected.
“If the condition is simple, it will be managed at that level. If it requires more attention, the patient will be referred to a health centre or polyclinic. At the health centre, more services will be available, including basic laboratory tests, maternity care, and minor procedures. If further care is needed, the patient will move to the next level. And importantly, after treatment, the patient is referred back to the community level for follow-up and continued care.”
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