Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has disclosed that 4,574 health facilities across the country are currently providing services under the Free Primary Health Care programme, as the government works to extend the initiative nationwide.

The facilities form part of the first phase of the programme, which is currently being implemented in 135 of Ghana’s 216 districts, covering all 16 regions.

Giving an update on the programme on Monday, September 7, Akandoh said the government had deliberately prioritised deprived districts to ensure communities with the greatest healthcare needs benefit first.

He identified the Upper West, Upper East, Oti and Western North regions among the areas where the programme has commenced, stressing that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every part of the country has access to free primary healthcare by the end of 2027.

“We have 135 districts out of the 216, and they are all in the 16 regions. So in every region, we have selected the deprived district to be part of the first phase,” he said.

According to the Minister, the 4,574 facilities participating in the programme include 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics, alongside other participating facilities.

He added that the programme is not limited to government-owned facilities, with facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana and Ahmadiyya also participating in the initiative.

“We’re not leaving anybody behind,” Akandoh said, emphasising the government’s intention to broaden access to essential healthcare services across the country.

The primary objective of free primary health care is to ensure universal access to essential healthcare services, remove financial barriers, and shift the focus from treating illness to preventing it.