The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has warned that weak laboratory systems could undermine the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare policy.
The policy, currently being rolled out nationwide, aims to provide free and accessible healthcare services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. It also covers basic screenings, laboratory tests, and treatment for common illnesses, allowing patients to access care without presenting an NHIS card at the point of entry.
However, medical laboratory scientists say gaps in laboratory infrastructure could prevent the policy from achieving its intended impact.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of GAMLS, Dr. George Yaw Ayerakwah, told JoyNews that without significant investment in laboratory systems, the initiative may struggle to succeed.
He made the remarks after a free health screening exercise at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to mark International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day.
Dr. Ayerakwah noted that many facilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities, are poorly equipped, making it difficult for laboratory professionals to perform essential diagnostic tests.
“In fact, when you visit most healthcare facilities in remote areas, you will find that the laboratory systems are in poor condition, and several district hospitals even lack basic equipment, so they cannot carry out certain tests,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the Free Primary Healthcare policy depends heavily on strengthening laboratory services to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient safety.
“As the government promotes the Free Primary Healthcare policy, its successful implementation depends on ensuring that every health laboratory is properly furnished with the necessary logistics, reagents and human resource capacity, since these elements are fundamental to the long-term sustainability of the initiative,” he added.
This year’s International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day was commemorated under the theme: “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics.”
To mark the occasion, the Ashanti Regional branch of GAMLS, in collaboration with Dimer Health Services, organised free health screenings for residents in Kumasi. The exercise included blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, and general health counselling.
The Chief Executive Officer of Dimer Health Services, Sheikh Rashid Nketiah, also used the platform to emphasise the importance of laboratory testing in healthcare delivery.
He explained that accurate and timely diagnostics play a critical role in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.
“We have observed that many people resort to self-medication without first undergoing laboratory tests to determine their health condition, and that can be harmful. Some people are also afraid to check their health status, yet doing so helps you understand your medical condition,” he said.
He encouraged the public to prioritise routine health checks to support early detection and prevention of diseases.
Hundreds of residents took part in the screening exercise and praised the organisers, describing the initiative as impactful and beneficial to the community.