The Bongo District Health Directorate has launched a Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Programme aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services, strengthening disease prevention, and reducing financial barriers to care.
The programme, which has also entered a community sensitisation phase, is expected to improve healthcare access in rural communities and contribute to Ghana’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
Speaking at the launch, the District Director of Health Services, Estella Abazesi, said the programme’s success would depend on strong collaboration among stakeholders.
“The Free Primary Healthcare Programme is designed to ensure that no one is left behind. It requires a whole-of-community approach where all stakeholders work together to make healthcare accessible,” she said.
Under the initiative, essential primary healthcare services will be delivered free of charge through Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, health posts, and public health units across the district.
The first phase of implementation will focus on preventive healthcare and early disease detection. Adults aged 18 and above will receive annual screening services, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, breast cancer screening, body mass index assessments, mental health screening, and counselling on non-communicable diseases.
Children and adolescents will benefit from school-based health screenings covering vision, dental, mental health, and skin conditions. Newborns born to mothers who test positive for sickle cell disease will also be referred for further testing.
Health officials say the programme is intended to encourage early care-seeking behaviour and reduce the incidence of preventable illnesses through regular screening and timely intervention.
As part of the launch, the Health Directorate engaged traditional authorities, security agencies, emergency service providers, local government officials, community members, and non-governmental organisations to support public education and community mobilisation efforts.
The Paramount Chief of Bongo, Naba Salifu Lebyalum Atamale, endorsed the initiative and pledged the support of traditional authorities.
“This is a very good initiative. As a promoter of healthy living, I am fully in support of this programme and I pledge to help make it a success in our communities,” he said.
Health officials noted that many residents in rural communities delay seeking medical care because of financial constraints, often resulting in complications that could have been prevented through early diagnosis and treatment.
They said the programme is expected to improve disease detection, reduce preventable deaths, and strengthen health outcomes at the community level.
The Health Directorate added that the District Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, schools, media organisations, development partners, and community health committees will play critical roles in supporting implementation and public awareness activities.
The initiative will complement the National Health Insurance Scheme, with the FPHC Programme focusing primarily on preventive services and screening while the NHIS continues to support treatment and referral services.
The programme will be implemented in phases nationwide, with full national coverage expected by 2028.
Health authorities described the launch as a significant step toward achieving equitable access to healthcare and strengthening community health systems, emphasising that the initiative is founded on the principle that health is a right, not a privilege.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga
