UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District as part of the two-day Resetting Ghana tour of the upper East region, describing it as a major step towards achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare access for all citizens
Addressing a gathering of government officials, health professionals and residents at a durbar, President Mahama explained that the initiative forms part of a three-tier healthcare system introduced by his administration. The system comprises the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund also known as MahamaCares which caters for complex and costly illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions.
The President said the new programme focuses on preventive healthcare by bringing health services directly to communities through home visits by community health nurses and volunteers. During these visits, health workers will conduct basic health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, provide health education, and refer patients to health centres or polyclinics when necessary
President Mahama stressed that early detection of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes would help prevent complications including stroke, kidney failure and sudden death. He encouraged all Ghanaians to take advantage of the free screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise and balanced diets.
He also highlighted maternal and child healthcare as a key component of the programme, noting that health workers would monitor pregnant women, encourage antenatal care attendance and ensure newborns receive routine immunisations.
On access to medicines, the President disclosed that government had received a five-year roadmap aimed at making Ghana self-sufficient in pharmaceutical production. He said the plan seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines, which currently account for about 70 percent of drug supplies, while lowering costs and expanding access to essential medicines
President Mahama further announced that the government had strengthened the NHIS by increasing reimbursement tariffs to health facilities and ensuring timely payments, eliminating the need for illegal co-payments by patients
He also highlighted investments under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, including the establishment of modern diagnostic and treatment facilities such as catheterisation laboratories and a cardiothoracic centre in Tamale to improve specialised healthcare services
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure, including the provision of health kiosks in communities without CHPS compounds, to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality primary healthcare regardless of location.
He concluded by commending healthcare workers for their dedication and urged nurses to continue treating patients with compassion, saying a caring attitude is an important part of the healing process.
“The health of our people is the foundation of a prosperous nation, and no Ghanaian should be denied quality healthcare because of where they live,” President Mahama stated.
Source – gbcuraonline.com
