4,574 Facilities Providing Free Primary Healthcare Nationwide - Akandoh

Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that 4,574 health facilities across the country are currently offering services under the government's Free Primary Health Care programme.

The facilities are part of the first phase of the initiative, which is being rolled out in 135 out of Ghana's 216 districts across all 16 regions.

Giving an update on Monday, September 7, the Minister said government deliberately targeted deprived districts in the first phase to ensure communities with the greatest need benefit first.

He mentioned the Upper West, Upper East, Oti and Western North regions among the beneficiary areas, adding that government aims to extend the programme to every part of the country by the end of 2027.

"We have 135 districts out of the 216, and they are all in the 16 regions. So in every region, we have selected the deprived district to be part of the first phase," he said.

According to him, the 4,574 facilities include 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics, among others.

He noted that the programme is not limited to public facilities, as facilities under the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are also participating.

"We're not leaving anybody behind," he stressed.

The Free Primary Health Care programme is aimed at ensuring universal access to essential healthcare, removing financial barriers and shifting focus from curative to preventive healthcare.