NHIA releases GH¢35.1m to 107 districts for Free Primary Healthcare

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released GH¢35.1 million to 107 districts implementing the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme. The programme, launched in April 2026, uses a population-based funding model to provide districts with predictable resources for preventive and community-level healthcare services. It covers services including health screenings, maternal and child healthcare, immunisations, treatment of common illnesses, and public health education. The initiative was launched by President John Dramani Mahama at Dodowa on April 15, and is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme by focusing on disease prevention and early detection.

Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, stated the programme was intended to promote healthier lifestyles and facilitate early diagnosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of diseases becoming severe and more expensive to treat. In a related development, the NHIA released 13 staff members to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) following the completion of their one-year secondment. Dr Bampoe commended the officers, saying: "These officers have made important contributions to the successful establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. While we will miss them at the NHIA, we are proud that they will continue to serve Ghana's health sector in their new roles." He reaffirmed the NHIA's commitment to working with the GMTF to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes.