The Ministry of Health says it is fully prepared to roll out the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, assuring that key structures and stakeholder engagements required for implementation have been completed.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health , Tony Goodman in an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Saturday April 11, said significant groundwork has already been done to ensure the smooth take-off of the initiative, which is expected to expand access to basic healthcare services across the country.
“What it takes to implement such a policy, what we have to do as a ministry has been done,” he said.
He revealed that infrastructure development is ongoing, with health centres being constructed to support the programme. According to him, about 30 such facilities are currently being put up, including at locations such as the Madina market.
“As I speak to you we have what we call the health centres which will also be part of this programme. They are being put up. If you go to Madina market as I speak some are being put up there…So far about 30 is being put up,” he added.
Goodman further disclosed that the Ministry has begun extensive stakeholder engagements to fine-tune the rollout of the programme and incorporate feedback from key players in the health sector.
“Today in Dodowa there were some stakeholder engagements. We began stakeholder engagements with various stakeholders in the sector since last week and I can tell you that we’ve taken their concerns on board and we are ready to roll out this programme,” he stated.
He explained that the initiative is designed not only to provide treatment but also to prioritise preventive and promotive healthcare, with the aim of reducing pressure on major hospitals.
“It is not for the fun of it but to make sure that the people of this country receive healthcare, reduce the rush to the hospital, identify people at the early stage, get them to understand the conditions they live with, help them to manage them…We are looking at the promotive and preventive aspect of healthcare,” he said.
On eligibility, Goodman indicated that the programme will be accessible to all Ghanaians residing in the country.
“The criteria is you being a Ghanaian and you live in this country,” he noted.
The update comes as the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to rolling out free primary healthcare nationwide before the end of April 2026 as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.