President Mahama Expands Free Primary Health Care with GH"2.9 Billion Trust Fund for Chronic Illnesses

President John Dramani Mahama has accelerated the implementation of the Free Primary Health Care initiative, a multi-pronged strategy designed to provide all Ghanaians with equitable access to essential medical services regardless of their socio-economic status. This expansion includes the commissioning of new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, the local launch of the program in districts like Ellembelle, and a significant GH₵2.9 billion financial commitment to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF). Speaking during an inspection of a newly completed CHPS compound in Ohiaba, Central Region, the President emphasized that quality healthcare is a fundamental right rather than a privilege, urging citizens to actively utilize these services to reduce avoidable deaths through early detection and routine monitoring.

In the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, local authorities officially launched the program in Nkroful, introducing a mobile clinic van to facilitate immediate outreach to underserved communities. Dr. Augustine Amoako, the District Director of Health, noted that Ellembelle was selected as a pilot site due to its strong track record in health delivery. The initiative focuses on four key pillars for success: inter-sectorial collaboration, community involvement, appropriate technology, and the consistent availability of essential resources. Concurrently, the government has committed to a policy of constructing two CHPS facilities annually in every district across the country. These facilities are specifically equipped to handle maternal and child health, general primary care, and regular screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, which the President highlighted as a critical step in preventing severe health crises.

A central component of this healthcare overhaul is the "Mahama Care" program, supported by the GH₵2.9 billion allocation to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. This fund is specifically designed to alleviate the financial burden on the 40% of Ghanaians currently outside the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) or those suffering from chronic illnesses whose treatments are not fully covered by traditional insurance. To ensure the fund's success, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo and GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku recently engaged Regional Ministers at Jubilee House. They called for a robust nationwide awareness campaign, tasking regional leaders to collaborate with community heads to ensure eligible patients can access life-saving treatments without the fear of financial ruin.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the initiative as a landmark intervention, highlighting its three main pillars: free primary healthcare services, free NHIS enrollment, and the specialized support offered through the GMTF. This shift toward a more inclusive healthcare model aligns with warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the risk of out-of-pocket health expenses pushing millions into poverty. By prioritizing primary healthcare and preventive screenings, the Ghanaian government aims to significantly improve national life expectancy and achieve universal health coverage by 2030. District leaders have been urged to maintain these new facilities diligently, ensuring they remain equipped to serve the public for years to come.