Health Minister Engages Stakeholders Ahead of Free Primary Healthcare Rollout

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has held a stakeholder engagement with health sector leaders as the government steps up preparations to roll out its Free Primary Healthcare policy in March.

The meeting, described by the Minister as a listening exercise, sought technical input from frontline professionals to fine-tune the policy before it is sent to Cabinet and Parliament for approval.

The initiative, a key pledge in the party’s 2024 manifesto, is also anchored in the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2025–2029).

Presenting the technical framework, the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME) at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Belinda Afriyie Nimako, explained that the policy builds on existing primary healthcare structures, including CHPS compounds, Health centres, and the National Health Insurance Scheme, while introducing reforms to expand access and strengthen preventive care.

She revealed that the policy will be financed through a blended payment system, combining the current fee-for-service model with population-based payments to incentivise preventive care, with equity and performance adjustments to support underserved communities.

Dr. Belinda explained that under the policy, primary healthcare services will be free at the point of use, with no requirement for NHIS registration.

The package will cover preventive and promotive care, basic curative services, essential medicines, basic diagnostics, maternal and child health services, mental health care, and emergency stabilisation.

Further consultations and technical work are expected to take place ahead of the March launch.

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