The Builsa North Municipal Health Directorate has officially launched the Free Primary Health Care Initiative, a national policy aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable populations and advancing Ghana’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
The launch, which took place at the Builsa North Municipal Assembly Hall on Friday June 19, brought together health professionals, traditional leaders, assembly members, security personnel, civil society groups, members of the public and other stakeholders to create awareness about the initiative and its benefits to residents.
Addressing participants, the Builsa North Municipal Health Director, Bantiu Cabral, explained that the initiative is designed to eliminate financial barriers that prevent vulnerable people from accessing essential healthcare services.
According to him, the policy seeks to remove out-of-pocket payments at the primary healthcare level while strengthening health systems to provide quality care for all.
“The Free Primary Health Care Initiative is a national policy intended to remove the barriers of out-of-pocket payments from our vulnerable people. It is also aimed at strengthening the systems at the primary healthcare level and ensuring that vulnerable people receive the best quality healthcare services,” he stated.
Bantiu noted that the initiative is in line with Ghana’s Constitution and the country’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery. He added that the programme would be supported through population-based reimbursements from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He further dismissed suggestions that the initiative is politically motivated and could be discontinued with a change in government.
“This is not a political programme. It is in line with the Constitution and the National Health Insurance framework. It is a genuine national roadmap towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. We only need to come together as stakeholders to ensure that we achieve the desired goals and enable vulnerable people to benefit from the quality healthcare services they deserve,” he emphasized.
Speaking at the event, the Builsa District Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Sunday Akpitipolah, said the programme was born out of the country’s commitment to universal health coverage and seeks to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to basic healthcare services without financial hardship.
He explained that healthcare services provided at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, clinics, and polyclinics under the initiative would be offered free of charge.
“The Free Primary Health Care Initiative is born out of Universal Health Coverage, and its essence is to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to healthcare. Basic healthcare should not be an obstacle to anyone in this country.”
“Therefore, services at CHPS compounds, health centres, clinics, and polyclinics should be accessible free of charge,” he said.
As part of activities marking the launch, a free health screening and treatment desk was set up at the venue to provide healthcare services to participants and residents. Many residents took advantage of the opportunity to undergo basic health checks and receive treatment.
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