By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that government will establish over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas such as markets and lorry parks under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
Speaking during the government accountability series on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Minister said the initiative is part of efforts to bring healthcare closer to the people and ensure easy access to essential services across the country.
He explained that the policy guarantees that every Ghanaian who visits a primary health facility will receive a wide range of essential services. These include routine screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health issues, as well as cancer screening and maternal and child health services like antenatal care, immunisation and growth monitoring.
According to him, the programme will also cover health promotion activities such as counselling on non-communicable diseases, family planning, safe water practices and menstrual hygiene, alongside the treatment of common illnesses like malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections.
The Minister added that basic emergency care, counselling and referral services will also be provided, stressing that about 80 percent of Ghana’s health needs can be addressed at the primary healthcare level.
He noted that under the policy, individuals can walk into nearby CHPS compounds, health centres or polyclinics to receive care, while health workers will also reach communities through outreach programmes and home visits.
“At the facility, patients will not only be treated for immediate concerns but will also be routinely screened for conditions that often go undetected,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh indicated that cases that require advanced care will be referred appropriately, with patients later returned to their communities for follow-up care, creating a continuous and people-centred healthcare system.
He further explained that the policy marks a major shift from reactive healthcare to preventive care, where health workers will actively engage communities instead of waiting for patients to fall seriously ill.
On implementation, the Minister said the programme will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2028, starting with 150 underserved districts before expanding nationwide.
He disclosed that government has already procured over 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment, including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds and ultrasound machines, to support the initiative.
“In the coming months, Ghanaians will see this transformation as equipment is distributed, community engagement intensified, and service delivery points established,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the policy aims to promote early detection of diseases, reduce preventable illnesses and deaths, and improve the overall health of the population.
He urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the services and use them responsibly to achieve the desired impact.
