The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has clarified that Ghana’s upcoming Free Primary Healthcare programme will not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), stressing that patients referred to higher-level facilities will still need valid insurance coverage.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on April 13, the Minister said the new policy is designed to make basic healthcare services accessible at no cost, but it does not extend to all levels of care.
“When you visit a primary healthcare facility and are referred to a regional hospital, you cannot expect treatment there to be free simply because of the new programme. That will not be the case,” he explained.
His comments come ahead of the nationwide rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative on April 15, 2026. The policy is expected to expand access to essential services, particularly for underserved communities.
Mr Akandoh said the programme will cover basic curative services such as treatment for malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and minor procedures, as well as preventive and promotive care delivered through community outreach.
However, more advanced and specialised treatment will continue to fall under the NHIS.
“The NHIS will still provide coverage beyond what is included in the free primary healthcare package,” he said, urging the public to remain enrolled in the scheme to ensure broader health protection.
He also cautioned against misconceptions, emphasising that the government is not introducing completely free healthcare across all levels.
“We must be clear about the limits. This is not about creating false expectations,” he added.
The Minister noted that NHIS enrolment has improved significantly, rising from about 57 per cent to 66 per cent within a year—an indication, he said, of ongoing efforts to strengthen the health system.
The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to close gaps for the estimated 35 per cent of Ghanaians not currently covered by NHIS, while placing greater emphasis on prevention and early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Under the initiative, services will be available at CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics, and selected facilities run by the Christian Health Association of Ghana. Some accredited pharmacies and licensed chemical sellers will also offer diagnostic services at no cost.
To access these services, patients will be required to present valid identification, such as the Ghana Card, NHIS card, or voter ID.
The government has earmarked GH₵1.5 billion in the 2026 budget to support the rollout, starting with about 130 to 150 underserved districts before expanding nationwide by 2028.
Mr Akandoh said the programme is part of a broader, coordinated effort involving the Ghana Health Service and other agencies under the Ministry of Health to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
“We are not leaving any sector behind. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Despite the rollout of free primary healthcare, the Minister maintained that the NHIS remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s health system, particularly for referrals and specialised care, as the country works towards universal health coverage.