The initiative is aimed at removing financial barriers to basic healthcare and improving access to essential health services, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

Under the programme, residents are expected to have access to services including screening for hypertension, diabetes and some cancers, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and treatment of common illnesses such as malaria without user fees at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics.

The District Chief Executive, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim, assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the programme in the district.

He said the Assembly would provide the necessary logistical and administrative support to ensure that the initiative achieved its intended purpose of improving healthcare access for residents.

As part of the launch, a free health screening exercise was organised for staff of the Wassa East District Assembly.

The screening covered blood pressure and blood sugar checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, health education and counselling on lifestyle modification and disease prevention.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for staff to experience the preventive healthcare services the programme seeks to promote, with emphasis on early detection and prevention rather than waiting until illnesses become severe.

Traditional leaders and other stakeholders at the launch pledged their support for the programme and encouraged residents to take advantage of the free services available at health facilities.

The programme forms part of government's broader efforts to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and expand access to quality primary healthcare across the country.

The initiative is expected to contribute to improved health outcomes in Wassa East and support the national objective of achieving broader Universal Health Coverage.

The programme was launched at Daboase by the District Director of Health Services, Dr Nana Mireku Gyimah, at a ceremony attended by traditional rulers, Queen Mothers, security personnel, health professionals, Assembly Members, heads of departments and other stakeholders.