‘No Ghanaian should pay’ – Health Minister warns health workers against charging for Free Primary Healthcare
Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has warned health workers against demanding payment from patients for services covered under the government's Free Primary Healthcare programme.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has cautioned health workers against charging patients for services covered under Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare programme. At a press conference marking the programme's launch, Mr Akandoh emphasized that Ghanaians should not be compelled to pay for services included in their package. "No Ghanaian should pay for anything that falls within the package of free primary healthcare," he stressed.
He urged the public to report health workers engaging in illegal payments, promising that such complaints would be thoroughly investigated. The minister also clarified that beneficiaries in the 135 districts currently implementing the programme do not need an active National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card. They can access primary healthcare services at participating CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics by registering and receiving the necessary care.
The Free Primary Healthcare initiative is meant to supplement, not replace, the NHIS, which will still cover referrals and specialized care at higher-level facilities. Mr Akandoh explained that the programme offers limited services compared to universal hospital care and is part of the government's strategy to promote prevention, early detection, and community-based care.
He encouraged residents in participating districts to utilize the programme by participating in regular health checks and screenings. Additionally, he announced hotlines for the public to report any complaints or concerns regarding the programme.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
