President John Dramani Mahama has handed over a truckload of medical equipment to Ho District Hospital as part of a national push to bolster frontline health services under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme.

The delivery, presented during his recent visit to the Ho Municipal Hospital, forms part of a wider distribution of essential supplies aimed at improving service delivery at community health planning and services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics especially in underserved areas not yet covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Mr Mahama praised health workers for their dedication and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving conditions of service and expanding access to basic care. He said the Free Primary Healthcare initiative seeks to reach millions of Ghanaians by removing cost barriers at the primary level.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said more than 24,000 medical items have been procured for nationwide distribution. He described the policy as complementary to the NHIS, emphasising its focus on preventive care through community outreach, home visits and early screening.

“This initiative introduces a proactive model of care,” the minister said, adding that stronger primary services will help detect illnesses early, reduce pressure on hospitals and improve population health.

Officials say the equipment delivery is intended to enhance routine clinical services, support outreach activities and improve the capacity of peripheral facilities to manage common conditions. The government expects the intervention to strengthen primary health infrastructure and expand equitable access to essential health services across Ghana.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE