Free primary healthcare initiative will remove barriers to healthcare access – Dr. Edmund Nellic Nyanwura

The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Director of Health Services, Dr. Edmund Nellic Nyanwura, has assured residents that the government’s newly launched Free Primary Healthcare Initiative will remove financial barriers that prevent many people from accessing essential healthcare services.

Speaking in an interview with Mike FM during the launch of the programme on Wednesday, July 1, Dr. Nyanwura said the initiative covers services provided at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics, enabling residents to receive primary healthcare even without a valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card.

He explained that patients who require specialised treatment will be referred to higher-level facilities, including municipal hospitals, where NHIS coverage will continue to apply.

“The objective is to remove barriers to healthcare at the primary level. Once people can access services at the community and health centre levels without difficulty, we can identify health conditions early and refer cases that require advanced treatment,” he said.

Dr. Nyanwura noted that the Municipal Health Directorate is working closely with the National Health Insurance Authority to ensure all residents are enrolled onto the NHIS. He commended the Authority for offering free NHIS registration during the launch of the initiative.

Addressing concerns about funding, he expressed confidence that financial constraints would not derail implementation. He explained that health facilities have already begun rolling out the programme using internally generated funds and available government resources while awaiting reimbursements and additional funding.

“We are not folding our arms waiting for funds to arrive. We have started implementation using available government resources while we await additional support,” he stated.

Dr. Nyanwura emphasised that the initiative prioritises preventive healthcare alongside curative services. He said the programme will support community outreach activities, including home visits, maternal and child health monitoring, chronic disease management, health education and other preventive interventions.

He revealed that community health workers have struggled to sustain outreach programmes since the end of donor-funded support, with many relying on personal resources to conduct field visits. According to him, the new initiative is expected to provide dedicated funding for these community-based services, strengthening preventive healthcare delivery.

The Municipal Health Director also outlined ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure across the municipality. He disclosed that three new health centres at Naaga, Nayagnia and Vunania are expected to be commissioned to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.

He further revealed that portable oxygen equipment has been procured for selected health facilities following a maternal death linked to the lack of oxygen during childbirth complications.

“We want to ensure that every facility conducting deliveries has access to oxygen so that emergencies can be managed promptly before referrals are made,” he said.

Dr. Nyanwura added that measures have also been introduced to improve access to safe abortion services and reproductive healthcare in line with national health policies, with the aim of reducing preventable deaths associated with unsafe abortion.

On disease control, he disclosed that healthcare workers are currently undergoing training to strengthen HIV care services after the directorate observed a decline in the number of patients actively receiving treatment.

Regular refresher training is also being organised for midwives to enhance maternal healthcare and ensure adherence to current clinical protocols.

He urged residents to seek medical attention promptly whenever they experience health challenges instead of delaying treatment until conditions worsen.

“A simple headache may be a sign of an underlying condition such as high blood pressure or anaemia. Early reporting can help prevent serious complications,” he advised.

Dr. Nyanwura also encouraged pregnant women to begin antenatal care during the first trimester to enable early detection and management of potential complications.

Calling for public support, he urged residents to have confidence in the healthcare system and collaborate with health professionals to ensure the success of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative.

As part of efforts to strengthen accountability, he announced that contact details of facility heads and senior health officials would be displayed at health facilities to enable patients to report concerns and receive prompt assistance.

“We want the public to have confidence in the healthcare system. If anyone encounters challenges at a facility, they should report them so that we can intervene and ensure quality care for all,” he said.

Dr. Nyanwura expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly improve access to healthcare, strengthen disease prevention and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes across the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.

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