A social commentator and former Deputy Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party, Andrew Atariwine, has thrown his support behind the government’s newly introduced Free Primary Healthcare policy, describing it as a “credible and laudable” step toward transforming Ghana’s healthcare system from a reactive to a preventive model.
Speaking on the Day Break Upper East show on A1 Radio, Mr. Atariwine said the initiative builds on the historical foundation of the National Health Insurance Authority and represents a strategic evolution rather than a departure from Ghana’s healthcare framework.
“If you look at the history of our healthcare delivery before the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2003, you will appreciate why this policy is necessary,” he noted.
Before the rollout of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ghana operated a “cash-and-carry” system that barred many citizens from accessing healthcare unless they could pay upfront.
The NHIS, introduced under Act 650 and later strengthened in 2012, sought to remove that barrier by allowing registered members to access treatment with minimal annual premiums. However, Mr. Atariwine said the system has largely focused on curative care, treating illness after it occurs rather than preventing it.
“We spend colossal sums every year paying for claims. If we can reduce the number of people who fall sick in the first place, that is the smartest move,” he explained.
At the core of the new policy is a significant shift: Ghanaians can now access primary healthcare services using the Ghana Card, even if they are not registered with the NHIS.
Mr. Atariwine described this as a game-changer in expanding access and moving the country closer to universal health coverage.
“You don’t necessarily need a health insurance card. With your Ghana Card, you can walk into a facility, be attended to, and then be encouraged to enroll,” he said.
He noted that this approach could help increase healthcare access from the current estimated 65% coverage to as high as 80% to 90% of the population.
Unlike the traditional system, where patients seek care only when ill, the Free Primary Healthcare policy encourages routine check-ups and early detection of diseases, many of which show no symptoms in their early stages.
Mr. Atariwine stressed that this preventive approach could significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve health outcomes.
“Some conditions won’t show symptoms until it is too late. Early detection helps both the individual and the government’s budget,” he said.
Contrary to concerns about sustainability, Mr. Atariwine dismissed fears that the policy could strain public finances. Instead, he pointed to inefficiencies and lack of financial autonomy as the real challenges facing the health insurance system.
He cited revenue streams such as the National Health Insurance Levy and donor support from organizations like the World Health Organization as evidence that funding exists.
“The issue is not funding. It is about prudence and allowing the authority to manage its resources independently,” he argued.
He also welcomed the government’s decision to remove spending caps on the NHIS, describing it as a move that could improve operational flexibility.
While endorsing the policy, Mr. Atariwine acknowledged that public misunderstanding remains a major hurdle. Many Ghanaians, he said, mistakenly believe the initiative is an entirely new programme rather than an extension of existing services.
“It is an addition, not a replacement,” he clarified. “We need better communication so people understand what is being offered.”
He also cautioned against politicizing the policy, urging stakeholders to focus on implementation quality and accountability instead.
Ghana’s NHIS has long been regarded as one of the most successful health insurance models in Africa, attracting interest from countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and The Gambia.
Mr. Atariwine believes the new policy could further strengthen Ghana’s leadership in healthcare innovation and even open the door for cross-border health coverage in the future.
“Ghana is already a model. The next step is how we can expand and even think about portability across countries,” he suggested.
As the Free Primary Healthcare policy begins implementation, Mr. Atariwine’s endorsement adds to growing support among policy experts. However, he insists that success will depend on strict monitoring, effective communication, and responsible management of resources.
“It’s a very good policy,” he concluded. “What matters now is how well we execute it for the benefit of Ghanaians.”
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Samuel Adagom | Bolgatanga
