Ghana expands Free Primary Healthcare to 135 districts

Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare programme is now operational in 135 districts, shifting the focus of healthcare delivery from hospitals directly into communities. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that more than 8,000 health workers have been recruited and trained to provide services at the community level.

The initiative, which targets 150 underserved districts in its first phase, includes curative services, disease prevention, and health promotion. To support outreach, the government has procured 5,000 kits for house-to-house visits and plans to provide 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to reach remote areas. GH¢35 million has been allocated specifically for the promotion and prevention components of the programme.

In a related effort to strengthen the national health landscape, MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) is collaborating with Africa Health Business to host a high-level policy roundtable in Accra. The engagement focuses on supporting sustainable health systems, universal health coverage, and expanding access to care, particularly regarding women's cancer care and financing mechanisms like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.