By: Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
Government has announced a major push to strengthen primary healthcare as part of the 2026 national budget, which allocates 1.5 billion Ghana cedis to support the rollout of free primary health care across the country.
According to the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the new programme is designed to make early detection and prevention of diseases a national priority.
Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, December 1, the Minister said primary health care currently accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s health needs, making it a critical area for investment.
“Under the new initiative, citizens will gain access to promotive, preventive, and basic curative services at no cost.” The Minister said this shift is expected to reduce the number of severe cases that reach hospitals, especially those related to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers.
The free primary health care programme will operate under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to avoid creating a new system and to ensure seamless access for patients.
As part of strengthening primary health care, government plans to retool health facilities, especially CHPS compounds, many of which currently lack basic equipment. The Minister indicated that more than half of primary-level facilities need essential tools to function effectively, and the 2026 budget will fund major upgrades.
The rollout forms part of broader health sector plans, which also include improved financing, increased health workforce distribution, and enhanced preventive care nationwide.
