Ghana has taken a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage with the official launch of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Programme by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.
The initiative is set to roll out across 150 underserved districts, bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities that need them most. Over 350 container-based service delivery points have been strategically positioned in high-traffic areas such as markets and lorry parks, improving convenience and expanding access to care.
The FPHC Programme places strong emphasis on prevention, early detection, and community-level healthcare delivery. Services will include routine health screenings, maternal and child healthcare, immunizations, and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections. It also incorporates health education on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water practices.
Importantly, the programme is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), expanding access without replacing existing systems. Under this initiative, every Ghanaian will be entitled to at least one free basic health screening annually.
A key highlight of the launch was the commissioning of a comprehensive package of medical equipment, community health infrastructure, and mobility support systems to strengthen service delivery nationwide. This underscores Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, particularly at the primary care level.
Health facilities across the country are set to receive a wide range of modern medical equipment to support diagnostics, treatment, and emergency response. These include patient monitors, ECG machines, ultrasound scanners, defibrillators, and vital signs monitors. Additional equipment such as oxygen concentrators, suction machines, CPAP machines, and infusion pumps will enhance the management of critically ill patients.
Maternal and child health services are also being strengthened through the provision of delivery beds, digital fetal dopplers, cardiotocograph machines, infant incubators, radiant warmers, and phototherapy units. These investments are expected to significantly improve antenatal care, safe delivery, and neonatal outcomes across primary healthcare facilities.
Laboratory and diagnostic services will benefit from the deployment of microscopes, centrifuges, bilirubin meters, and other essential tools, while imaging capacity will be expanded with mobile X-ray machines and digital X-ray film printers, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis.
To extend healthcare services to the last mile, a fleet of motorbikes and tricycles has been commissioned to support outreach activities. These will facilitate home visits, emergency referrals, community engagement, and supervision, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
With more than 24,000 pieces of medical equipment being deployed to strengthen CHPS compounds and health centres, the FPHC Programme represents a major investment in Ghana’s health system.
The launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme marks a critical milestone in Ghana’s journey toward accessible, equitable, and people-centred healthcare for all.
