By: Sarah Baafi
President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch the Free Primary Health Care Programme on April 15, a major policy initiative aimed at expanding access to healthcare across Ghana.
The programme, a key campaign promise, seeks to deliver universal primary healthcare services, particularly targeting the estimated 35 percent of Ghanaians who are not enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Ahead of the official rollout, preparations are already underway to strengthen health facilities nationwide. On Good Friday, 3 April 2026, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, led an inspection of 24,534 pieces of medical equipment procured to support the programme’s implementation.
The equipment, valued at over GH¢500 million, will begin distribution to health facilities across the country next week. The move is expected to significantly boost the capacity of primary healthcare centres to deliver essential services.
The items include X-ray machines, vital signs monitors for checking blood pressure and temperature, and glucometers for diabetes screening. Facilities will also receive baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn care, alongside patient monitors, infusion devices, and laboratory analysers.
Additionally, delivery beds, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines form part of the consignment, all aimed at improving maternal care, diagnostics, and general patient management at the primary level.
The rollout of the equipment marks a critical step toward the full implementation of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, as government moves to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access for all citizens.
