The District Directors of Health Service (DDHS) Group has called on the Government and the Ministry of Health to sustain political and financial commitment to the implementation of Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) Policy.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the Group’s 33rd Annual General Conference held at Lapamzorkor Hotel in Bolgatanga from September 8 to 12.
The conference, held under the theme “From policy to practice: The DDHS driving Free Primary Health Care towards universal health coverage in Ghana,” brought together District Directors of Health Service from all 16 regions, the Minister for Health, senior management of the Ghana Health Service, Regional Directors of Health Services, Medical Superintendents, professional associations, traditional authorities, development partners and other stakeholders.
The DDHS Group described Free Primary Health Care as Ghana’s most important pathway towards Universal Health Coverage, stressing that its success would depend largely on effective implementation at the district and community levels.
It said District Directors of Health Service had a critical responsibility to translate national health policies into quality healthcare services for communities, while emphasizing that free healthcare must also be timely, safe, equitable and people-centred, particularly for poor and vulnerable populations.
The Group further called for stronger primary healthcare systems supported by competent health workers, sustainable financing, reliable medicines and diagnostics, quality health data and active community participation.
It also urged increased investment in epidemic preparedness and response, including stronger community-based surveillance, improved stakeholder coordination, better case management and data quality, as well as closer collaboration with CHAG, private health facilities and laboratories.
As part of its resolutions, the Conference called on government to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential medicines, laboratory reagents and logistics to frontline facilities, while prioritising the equitable deployment of health professionals to underserved districts.
It also appealed for adequate operational resources for District Health Directorates and urged government to conclude negotiations on comprehensive Conditions of Service for District Directors of Health Services and Medical Superintendents.
The DDHS Group also called on the Ghana Health Service to strengthen implementation support and supportive supervision across districts, intensify capacity building for District Directors and frontline health workers, and improve monitoring, evaluation and accountability through data-driven performance management.
The Group further urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to make primary healthcare a development priority by investing in CHPS compounds and health centres, renovating deteriorating facilities, replacing obsolete equipment and providing staff accommodation in deprived communities.
It also identified water, sanitation, transport and digital infrastructure, as well as community mobilisation and preventive health campaigns, as key areas requiring investment.
The DDHS Group reaffirmed its commitment to championing the effective implementation of the Free Primary Health Care Policy in every district, while promoting accountability, transparency, prudent management of public resources and evidence-based planning.
The communiqué was issued in Bolgatanga on September 12, and signed by Dr. Justice Thomas Sevugu Martin Sumani Daanko, National Chairman, and the National Secretary of the DDHS Group.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna
