Health Minister Announces Nationwide Preventive Care Expansion
Policy aims to promote early detection and reduce the cost of basic healthcare services
- Government is shifting Ghana’s healthcare system from treatment to prevention through a Free Primary Healthcare policy
- The programme will begin in 150 districts, targeting underserved communities, with nationwide coverage planned by 2028
- NHIS-backed initiative, estimated at GH¢1.2 billion, will focus on early screening to tackle non-communicable diseases
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined a sweeping plan to reform Ghana’s healthcare system by prioritizing prevention over treatment.
Speaking in an interview, he emphasized the government’s intention to transition from a “sick care” model to a proactive healthcare approach that promotes routine medical check-ups and early disease detection.
This policy direction is anchored in a newly introduced Free Primary Health Care initiative, which will see the government cover the cost of essential health services to improve access and ease financial burdens on citizens.
According to the Minister, the strategy will be implemented through existing frameworks such as CHPS compounds, the NHIS, and the Mahama Cares programme. He highlighted that non-communicable diseases continue to pose a serious threat, especially as many individuals remain unaware of their conditions until they become severe.
He disclosed that the rollout will begin in 150 districts across all 16 regions, with a focus on underserved communities, and is expected to expand nationwide by 2028.
Mr. Akandoh further revealed that the programme, backed by the National Health Insurance Scheme, will cost an estimated GH¢1.2 billion and will include comprehensive screening services to enhance early diagnosis and improve overall health outcomes.
