Stakeholders in the West Gonja Municipality have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana’s newly introduced Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) policy following a high-level engagement organized by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Damongo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The meeting, held at the West Gonja Municipal Health Directorate Conference Hall, brought together traditional and religious leaders, health professionals, assembly members, civil society organizations, development partners, media practitioners, and government officials to deliberate on the implementation of the Free Primary Health Care initiative and its relationship with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Chairman of the engagement, John Kipo Kaara, described primary healthcare as the cornerstone of every healthy society, emphasizing that accessible and affordable healthcare remains essential to national development.
According to him, the Free Primary Health Care policy goes beyond political discussion and reflects a national commitment to social justice, human dignity, and equitable healthcare delivery.
“This forum comes at a very critical time as many rural and underserved communities continue to face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to contribute practical and sustainable solutions toward strengthening healthcare delivery.
Mr. Kaara further stressed that government, health professionals, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and citizens all have important roles to play in ensuring the success of the policy through collaboration, education, and responsible use of health services.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Municipal NHIA Manager for West Gonja, Iddrisu Abdul Rahman, described the launch of the FPHC policy by the President on April 15, 2026, as a historic turning point in Ghana’s healthcare system.
He explained that the policy seeks to shift healthcare delivery from “sickness management to wellness promotion” by prioritizing preventive care, early disease detection, and community-based healthcare services.
“The initiative aims to ensure that mothers in remote communities, farmers in villages, school children, and the elderly can access preventive healthcare before illness becomes a crisis,” he noted.
Mr. Abdul Rahman emphasized that the FPHC initiative does not replace the NHIS but rather complements it. While the Free Primary Health Care policy focuses on preventive and promotive services, the NHIS will continue to provide financial protection for curative, emergency, specialist, and referral services.
He cautioned stakeholders against misinformation and unrealistic public expectations, noting that inaccurate communication could threaten the sustainability of the programme.
Participants were later taken through the policy orientation and Phase One implementation details by the Municipal Accountant, Mohammed Bashiru.
He explained that the vision of the policy is to ensure equitable access to quality primary healthcare services free at the point of use while contributing to improved health outcomes and poverty reduction.
According to him, the policy seeks to increase primary healthcare service utilization by 35 percent and achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Mr. Bashiru disclosed that Phase One of the rollout is currently active in 130 districts nationwide and covers preventive and promotive healthcare services delivered through CHPS compounds, selected CHAG facilities, health centres, and polyclinics.
The covered services include blood pressure and blood glucose screening, cancer and mental health screening, child health assessments, nutrition and lifestyle counselling, as well as health education and community outreach programmes.
He clarified that emergency care, surgeries, specialist treatment, and chronic disease management remain under NHIS coverage and still require valid NHIS membership.
“FPHC detects health problems early, but NHIS pays for treatment. Without NHIS, a positive screening result may expose patients to treatment costs,” he explained.
The Municipal Accountant further warned health workers and stakeholders against spreading false information such as “everything is now free” or “NHIS cards are no longer needed,” stressing that the Free Primary Health Care programme is prevention-focused and not a replacement for the NHIS.
Stakeholders at the forum called for intensified public education, improved community engagement, and sustained government support to ensure the successful implementation of the policy across the municipality.
The engagement ended with renewed optimism that the Free Primary Health Care initiative, if properly implemented, could significantly reduce preventable diseases, lower healthcare costs for families, and strengthen confidence in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
