The free primary healthcare policy has been introduced as a major step toward achieving universal health coverage, with the government outlining plans to remove user fees at CHPS compounds, health centers, and polyclinics.
Speaking in an interview, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, explained that the free primary healthcare initiative is designed to address gaps in access and ensure that all Ghanaians can receive basic health services regardless of their financial status.
He stressed the global challenge of achieving universal health coverage, stating, “Every country is struggling to attain universal health coverage. Countries like Brazil, Rwanda, and Thailand, which have attained universal health coverage, took decisive action by investing in their primary health care.”
According to him, primary healthcare remains central to building a strong system. “In fact, to tell you the truth, about 80% of our health care needs is primary health care,” he said.
The minister noted that strengthening the foundation of healthcare delivery is critical to national development and that universal access must go beyond financial capability. “When I say ‘universal health coverage,’ what it means is that irrespective of your status, your location, and your ability to pay, you must have access to quality health care.”
He noted that progress has been made over the years through interventions such as CHPS compounds and the National Health Insurance Scheme but emphasized that gaps still remain.
Differences between National Health Insurance and Free Primary Healthcare
The free primary healthcare policy differs significantly from the existing insurance system. The minister revealed that while coverage has increased, a significant portion of the population remains excluded, with millions outside the system. “There are more than 12 million Ghanaians who are not part of the national health insurance.”
The minister said that the insurance system serves only subscribers. “So if you are not a subscriber, you cannot access national health insurance. You can access primary health care as part of national health insurance, but you need to be a subscriber.”
Universal coverage under free primary healthcare
Under the free primary healthcare policy, he clarified that coverage is extended to all citizens regardless of insurance status.
“In the case of the free primary health care, all the 33 million people are covered. So whether you are a subscriber to the national health insurance or not, you can get coverage,” he said.
The identification process is also simplified. “Which means you can use your Ghana card, or you just need to identify yourself as a Ghanaian, maybe with a passport.”
Unlike the insurance system, renewal requirements are removed. “With the national health insurance, when you are a subscriber, you need to renew before you can access health care. In the case of primary health care, you don’t need a new renewal.”
He said the free primary healthcare initiative will prioritize preventive care as part of a broader shift in the health system, emphasizing a change in approach to healthcare delivery. “We are now moving the health care system from what I call sick care to health care, properly so-called.”
The current system, he noted, focuses more on treatment than prevention, but the three functions of the free primary healthcare will focus on cure, prevention, and promotion.
