Free Primary Healthcare Rollout — What You Should Know
History was made on Monday, September 7, 2026, as the government rolled out the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy in 4,574 healthcare facilities across the country.
This means Ghanaians now have the opportunity to access basic and essential healthcare services free of charge at all participating primary-level facilities covered under the policy.
Launched in April this year, the FPHC is expected to bring basic healthcare and preventive services closer to people in their communities, as a proactive measure to reduce Ghana’s disease burden and build a healthier population.
Of the 150 deprived districts targeted in the first phase, 135 districts have commenced full implementation.
The remaining 15 districts are expected to come on board by the end of the year as the policy aims for full nationwide coverage by 2028.
In the Greater Accra region for instance, seven districts are implementing the policy including Ada East, Ada West, Ayawaso East, Krowor, La Nkwantanang-Madina, Ningo Prampram and Shai Osudoku.
Where Did The Policy Come From?
The FPHC is a fulfilment of a manifesto promise by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections.
It is intended to reduce high out-of-pocket health expenditure and shift Ghana’s health system from a predominantly curative approach towards preventive and promotive healthcare.
Was Primary Healthcare Previously Free?
No, not as a comprehensive nationwide policy.
Ghana has previously implemented targeted free or subsidised health interventions at the primary level, including aspects of maternal, child healthcare and immunisation.
However, these services were delivered through specific programming and financing arrangements rather than a widespread policy providing essential primary healthcare free of charge at the point of service.
What Services Are Covered Under FPHC?
The FPHC has three main components — preventive, promotive and curative healthcare.
Preventive services include free screening for high blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and weight, as well as screening for selected cancers, including breast, prostate and cervical cancers.
Basic mental health, maternal, child and reproductive health services are also covered, alongside screening for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and malaria.
The promotive component provides counselling and education on nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, sanitation and healthy lifestyles. It also includes house-to-house visits to take health services and education directly into communities.
The curative component covers common conditions such as malaria, respiratory diseases and diarrhoea.
Who Can Benefit and Where?
Everyone, regardless of age, is eligible.
The policy is being implemented mainly at community-based health planning and services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics under the Ghana Health Service, as well as selected Christian Health Association (CHAG and Ahmadiyya Muslim Health Service facilities.
The 4,574 facilities currently implementing the policy comprise 3,780 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics across the 135 districts.
How Can I Access the FPHC?
You do not need an identification card or an active NHIS card to access FPHC services.
However, for accountability purposes, individuals may be registered when they report at an implementing facility. Alternatively, you can generate a One-Time Access Code (OTAC) by dialling *929# and following the prompts. The code remains valid for 24 hours.
No one is expected to pay for services covered under the FPHC.
Complaints about illegal charges can be lodged by calling 06447 on Telecel or 0544446447 on MTN.
What Is the Relationship between FPHC and NHIS?
The FPHC does not replace the NHIS nor do Ghanaians need the NHIS card to access services under the policy.
Ghanaians are however encouraged to maintain an active NHIS membership because the card remains important to access continuity of care in case patients require services beyond the FPHC package or at higher-level facilities.
What Are The Limits?
The FPHC does not cover district, regional and teaching hospitals. Services required at those levels, or those outside the approved FPHC package, remain subject to the applicable financing arrangements.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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