President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the Free Primary Healthcare Policy is designed to complement, not replace, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Launching the initiative in Accra on April 15, he explained that the policy will guarantee free access to basic healthcare services at the community level.
He highlighted that screenings and treatment for common illnesses will be provided at CHPS compounds at no cost to patients. ‘The Free Primary Healthcare complements the NHIS. At that level, everything is free of charge—screening, treatment for basic illnesses such as malaria or cholera, with CHPS compounds equipped to provide the necessary medication,’ he stated.
He added that patients with more serious conditions will be referred to higher-level facilities where they can use their NHIS cards for treatment. “But if they take your blood sugar and your blood sugar is high, you can change it with diets, but if it persists, then they will have to refer you to the district level and at the district level, you will use your National Health Insurance card to get the treatment and the drugs you require,” he explained.
President Mahama stressed that the policy is aimed at improving access to healthcare at the grassroots while strengthening the existing system. “So the Free Primary Healthcare is complementary to the National Health Insurance. It is not coming to replace it, it is coming to complement it,” he added.
Source: Abigail Arthur
