Don't let free primary health care go waste — Mahama urges Ghanaians

President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to take full advantage of the government's Free Primary Health Care initiative, saying the programme is intended to improve access to quality healthcare and promote the early detection and treatment of illnesses.

The president made the appeal during an inspection of the Free Primary Health Care Hospital project at Ohiaba in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District of the Central Region.

He explained that the policy is designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to all Ghanaians, particularly people in underserved communities who face difficulties accessing basic medical care.

According to President Mahama, the initiative will focus on disease prevention through regular health screening, early diagnosis and prompt treatment, with the aim of reducing the burden of serious illnesses on families and the national healthcare system.

He announced that trained health workers would soon begin nationwide community outreach programmes, visiting homes to conduct free medical screening, provide health education and administer essential medications where necessary.

The President assured residents that beneficiaries would receive free primary healthcare services without paying consultation or treatment fees covered under the policy.

He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the initiative and make routine medical check-ups a priority, noting that regular health screening helps detect diseases early, making treatment easier and reducing avoidable deaths.

Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh commended President Mahama for introducing the policy, describing it as a landmark intervention that will improve healthcare delivery across the country.

He said the initiative is built on three pillars: Free Primary Healthcare Services, free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment and renewal, and the Mahama Care programme, all aimed at ensuring universal access to quality healthcare.

Mr Akandoh described the policy as a long-term national intervention that will strengthen Ghana's healthcare system and improve the well-being of citizens.

He also urged Ghanaians to enrol on or renew their NHIS membership to fully benefit from the programme and advised the public to undergo medical check-ups at least once a year for the early detection and treatment of health conditions.