Government has launched the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s tour of the Upper East Region.
The launch was graced by President John Dramani Mahama, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Majority Leader, James Agalga, Minister for Local Government chieftaincy and religious affairs, Mahama Ayariga, chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, health workers and thousands of constituents.
The event brought together leadership of the Ghana Health Service, nurses, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) officials and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama explained why government is rolling out free primary healthcare for the people of Bolgatanga East and Ghana as a whole. He commended the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for the timely release of funds to the NHIS to enable it to pay service providers.
For his part, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said government has put measures in place and released the needed funds to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
He disclosed that government is adequately funding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which will now focus on preventing diseases and not only treating them.
He further revealed that 9,000 primary healthcare delivery bags have been procured nationwide, out of which the Upper East Region will receive 1,320 bags.
He expressed gratitude to the National Health Insurance Authority for its role in quality healthcare delivery.
As part of the launch, health equipment was presented to the Zuarungu Health Centre to enhance quality healthcare delivery, making it one of the well-equipped facilities in the Upper East Region.
The gesture is aimed at equipping the centre to effectively implement the Free Primary Healthcare policy and serve the people of Bolgatanga East better.
The Attorney General and MP for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, thanked the President and the Minister for Health for delivering on their campaign promise made during the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the people of Bolgatanga East were promised free primary healthcare and today it has become a reality.
“The people of Bolgatanga East will testify to it, they will enjoy it and they will use it,” Dr. Ayine noted.
He added that the policy will go a long way to improve quality healthcare delivery in health facilities across the country.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Iddrisu Kassim
