FREE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED IN THE SEKYERE CENTRAL DISTRICT.

On Thursday, 4th June 2026, the Sekyere Central District Health Directorate officially launched the Free Primary Health Care Programme, a government initiative aimed at removing financial barriers to essential health services.

Speaking at the event, the District Health Director, Madam Susana Nkrumah, described the programme as a bold and transformative policy to ensure no Ghanaian is denied primary healthcare due to financial constraints.

She announced that the District has been selected as one of the pilot districts nationwide, calling it both a great responsibility and a unique opportunity to demonstrate strong community and stakeholder collaboration.

Under Phase One, she explained that residents aged 18 and above will access annual screening services, including blood pressure and glucose checks, Body Mass Index assessment, breast cancer screening, mental health screening, and counselling on non-communicable diseases. Also, children and adolescents will benefit through school health programmes.

She clarified that the free primary healthcare programme does not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but complements it. While the new programme focuses on prevention, health promotion, and early disease detection, the NHIS continues to cover treatment and referrals. She urged all residents to maintain active NHIS membership for uninterrupted care and encouraged community members to take advantage of screenings at designated facilities such as CHPS compounds, health centres, polyclinics, health posts, and outreach programmes.

Presenting the keynote address, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Somuah stated that the initiative is not merely a health intervention but a national commitment to social justice, equity, and human development. He noted that the district's selection for the pilot demonstrates confidence in its ability to contribute to this national initiative.

Hon. Somuah stressed that healthcare is one of the most important investments a nation can make, as a healthy population drives economic growth, education, and sustainable development.

He acknowledged that financial constraints, geographical barriers, and limited early detection have denied many citizens access to basic healthcare and noted that this programme has been introduced to address those challenges.

The DCE applauded the programme's preventive care focus, which encourages early medical attention before diseases become difficult and expensive to manage. He assured the gathering of the District Assembly's full support and thanked the Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Authority, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Development Partners, Traditional Authorities, and all stakeholders for making the programme possible.

The event was graced by Nananom, representatives of the Regional Health Directorate, health personnel, security agencies, and the general public.

The launch marks a significant step toward universal health coverage in Ghana, with Sekyere Central District poised to serve as a model for nationwide implementation.