Mahama to launch free primary healthcare programme on April 15, government prepares equipment rollout

Ghana is preparing to take a major step toward universal access to healthcare, as President John Dramani Mahama is set to officially launch the Free Primary Healthcare Programme on April 15, 2026.

The initiative, which formed a key part of his campaign promises, is aimed at ensuring that every Ghanaian can access basic health services without financial difficulty. At its core, the programme seeks to close a long-standing gap in the country’s healthcare system.

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While the National Health Insurance Scheme has provided relief for many over the years, a significant portion of the population, estimated at about 35 percent, still remains outside its coverage.

The new policy is therefore designed to bring these individuals into the healthcare system, guaranteeing them access to essential services at no cost.

In the lead-up to the launch, the government has begun laying the groundwork to ensure the programme starts on a strong footing.

On April 3, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, together with the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, inspected a large consignment of medical equipment earmarked for distribution across the country.

In total, 24,534 pieces of equipment are expected to be deployed to health facilities beginning next week. The equipment covers a wide range of essential medical needs and is expected to significantly strengthen primary healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas.

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It includes X-ray machines, vital signs monitors for checking blood pressure and temperature, and glucometers for diabetes screening.

There are also baby incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators to support newborn care, alongside patient monitors, infusion devices, laboratory analysers, delivery beds, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines.

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This large-scale investment in medical tools is intended to ensure that health facilities are not only accessible but also properly equipped to deliver quality care.

For many communities, particularly in rural parts of the country, the availability of such equipment could mark a turning point in how quickly illnesses are detected and treated.

By focusing on primary care, the government aims to reduce the pressure on major hospitals while improving health outcomes at the community level.

The programme also speaks to a wider goal of reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, which have remained a burden for many households.

By removing financial barriers at the entry point of care, officials hope more people will seek medical attention early, rather than waiting until conditions worsen.