The government of Ghana has unveiled a major plan to boost primary healthcare in the 2026 national budget, setting aside 1.5 billion Ghana cedis to roll out free primary health care nationwide.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh explained that the initiative is aimed at improving early disease detection and prevention, positioning primary care at the centre of national health delivery.
Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, he noted that primary healthcare currently addresses almost 80% of Ghana’s health needs, making increased investment essential.
“Under the new initiative, citizens will gain access to promotive, preventive, and basic curative services at no cost.” The Minister said this shift is expected to reduce the number of severe cases that reach hospitals, especially those related to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers.
The free primary health care programme will operate under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to avoid creating a new system and to ensure seamless access for patients
As part of reinforcing primary health care, the government intends to retool health facilities, especially CHPS compounds, many of which currently lack basic equipment. The Minister indicated that more than half of primary-level facilities need basic tools to function effectively, and the 2026 budget will finance major upgrades.
The rollout forms part of broader health sector plans, which also include improved financing, increased health workforce distribution, and enhanced preventive care nationwide.
Credit: GBC Online
