The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that government’s proposed Free Primary Healthcare programme will cost an estimated $1.2 billion annually to implement.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Minister said the programme is a long-term intervention backed by detailed financial planning.
“It is not an ad hoc programme or project. It is a long-term plan. We know what we are doing,” he stated.
Programme to Focus on Basic and Preventive Care
Mr Akandoh explained that the initiative will cover primary healthcare services, including malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and preventive and community-based care.
He clarified that the policy will not make all healthcare services free, particularly at higher-level referral facilities.
NHIS to Complement Free Healthcare Initiative
The Minister emphasised that the programme will work alongside the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), rather than replace it.
According to him, both systems are expected to support Ghana’s goal of achieving universal healthcare coverage.
Execution Key to Success
Mr Akandoh acknowledged concerns about cost and sustainability but maintained that the main challenge lies in implementation.
“The real challenge is not policy, it is execution,” he said.
He noted that inefficiencies within delivery systems continue to affect reforms in the health sector.
Government to Roll Out Programme in Phases
The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to be implemented in phases, with further stakeholder consultations planned as government finalises operational frameworks.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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