By Ashiadey Dotse
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that government will establish more than 350 container-based health service 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 aimed at bringing healthcare closer to residents and improving access to essential services across the country.
He explained that the policy ensures that anyone who visits a primary health facility will receive a wide range of services, including routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions, as well as cancer screening. Maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, immunisation and growth monitoring will also be provided.
According to him, the programme will further include health promotion activities such as counselling on non-communicable diseases, family planning, safe water practices and menstrual hygiene, as well as treatment for common illnesses including malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections.
The Minister added that basic emergency care, counselling and referral services will be part of the package, noting that about 80 per cent of Ghana’s health needs can be addressed at the primary healthcare level.
He said citizens will be able to access services at nearby CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics, while health workers will also conduct outreach activities 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 more serious cases will be referred to higher-level facilities, with patients later followed up in their communities to ensure continuity of care.
He said the policy represents a shift from reactive healthcare to preventive care, where health workers actively engage communities rather than waiting for patients to fall seriously ill.
On implementation, the Minister said the programme will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2028, beginning with 150 underserved districts before nationwide expansion.
He disclosed that government has procured more than 24,000 medical equipment items, 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 is intensified and service delivery points are established,” he said.
Mr Akandoh urged the public to take advantage of the services and use them responsibly to improve health outcomes across the country.
