A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team has defended the government’s newly launched free primary healthcare policy, describing it as a major step toward improving access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities.
Michael Nangena said the initiative, launched last week, is designed to complement, not replace, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he argued focuses largely on treatment rather than prevention.
“This policy is intended to fill that gap,” Mr Nangena said on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today program. “At the primary level, screening, diagnosis and basic treatment will now be free, even without health insurance.”
He said the policy will reduce congestion at district and regional hospitals by addressing health issues early at community-based facilities such as CHPS compounds.
Mr Nangena also clarified controversy surrounding the use of tricycles under the program, stating they are meant to support outreach services by transporting health personnel to remote areas, not to replace ambulances.
“The ambulances are for critical cases. The tricycles are to help health workers reach communities for preventive services,” he said.
The program will be rolled out in phases, with 150 districts expected to benefit in the first phase. Mr Nangena noted that several regions in northern Ghana, including Upper East, have been prioritized.
