The Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, has officially launched the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in the Eastern Region, marking a major step toward improving access to quality healthcare services across Municipalities and underserved communities.
The launching ceremony, held at Suhum Kraboa Coaltar, brought together health officials, local government authorities, community leaders and residents, all united behind the goal of strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery system and advancing universal health coverage.
Speaking at the event, the Eastern Regional Director of NHIA, Mr. Frank Addo, described the initiative as a transformative intervention that would significantly improve primary healthcare delivery and reduce financial burdens on citizens seeking basic medical attention.
According to him, the initiative represents a major milestone in Ghana’s healthcare agenda and aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens, regardless of their economic status or geographical location.
Mr. Addo explained that the programme is specifically designed to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system by removing financial barriers that often prevent people, particularly those in deprived and underserved communities, from seeking medical attention at the early stages of illness.
He noted that many preventable health complications worsen because individuals are unable to afford basic healthcare services at the point of entry, adding that the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative seeks to change that narrative by ensuring that essential medical services are accessible without financial constraints.
He, therefore, encouraged residents of Suhum and surrounding communities to regularly renew their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) subscriptions and actively utilize health facilities to fully benefit from the programme.
“The success of this initiative depends largely on the participation of the people. We encourage everyone to renew their NHIS cards and take advantage of the free primary healthcare services available under this intervention,” he stated.
Mr. Addo further stressed that strengthening preventive and primary healthcare services remains one of the most effective ways of reducing pressure on referral hospitals and improving overall public health outcomes.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum, Lydia Sara Ohenewa, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that quality medical services become accessible to every Ghanaian.
She emphasised that the health and well-being of citizens continue to remain a major priority for the government, adding that the initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system.
According to her, access to healthcare should not be determined by one’s financial status, and government remains determined to promote equity and accessibility within the health sector.
Hon. Ohenewa commended the NHIA and the Ghana Health Service for collaborating effectively to roll out the initiative in the municipality and the wider Eastern Region.
She expressed optimism that the intervention would help improve early healthcare-seeking behaviour among residents, while reducing avoidable health complications and deaths.
“This programme is not just about free healthcare services, it is about protecting lives, promoting preventive healthcare and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she stated.
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