Free primary healthcare is now operational in 135 districts across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The programme currently covers 4,447 primary healthcare facilities as government expands access to basic health services at the community level.
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the progress during a media engagement in Accra.
Free primary healthcare targets underserved communities
The first phase of the programme is targeting 150 underserved districts across the country.
According to the Health Minister, 135 districts have already been brought onto the programme.
The remaining districts in the initial target are expected to be added as implementation continues.
The rollout covers communities across all 16 regions.
Government says the approach is designed to take essential healthcare closer to people instead of making patients travel long distances before receiving basic services.
More than 8,000 health workers support rollout
More than 8,000 health workers have been recruited and trained as part of the programme.
The workers have been deployed to provide services at the community level.
Government has also been equipping major hospitals, polyclinics and other health facilities to support the implementation.
The move is part of efforts to address staffing gaps and improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Earlier in the year, the Health Ministry also recruited thousands of nurses, midwives and other health professionals for deployment to areas with critical staffing needs.
What the free healthcare programme covers
The programme is designed to provide primary-level healthcare services without direct payment by eligible residents in participating areas.
The services include preventive, promotive and curative care.
Preventive services include health screening and early detection, while promotive services focus on areas such as healthy living and health education.
Curative services cover the treatment of common conditions that can be managed at the primary healthcare level.
The government previously stated that beneficiaries would not need to pay for services covered under the programme. A valid national identification card was also identified as the main requirement for access.
Government shifts focus to community care
The rollout forms part of a wider effort to move healthcare delivery closer to communities.
Rather than relying mainly on hospitals after people become seriously ill, the programme places greater emphasis on prevention and early access to care.
The Health Minister said the first phase is focused on districts where healthcare needs are greatest.
This approach is expected to improve access for residents who face challenges travelling to larger health facilities.
Nationwide coverage targeted for 2027
The government plans to expand the programme beyond the current 135 districts.
The broader target is to achieve nationwide coverage by 2027.
The February 2026 launch marked the beginning of the government’s flagship Free Primary Health Care initiative, which has since moved into phased implementation.
As the rollout expands, government will also need to maintain adequate staffing, equipment and supplies across participating facilities.
For now, the programme has reached 135 districts, giving residents in those areas access to a wider range of primary healthcare services without the usual direct financial barrier.
Source: 3News
