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Sekyere Central Chosen for Landmark Free Primary Health Care Programme Pilot

The Sekyere Central District in the Ashanti Region has been selected as one of the pilot districts for the rollout of Ghana's Free Primary Health Care Programme, a groundbreaking government initiative aimed at removing financial barriers to essential healthcare services and accelerating the country's journey toward universal health coverage.

Date Created : 6/19/2026 : Story Author : Mary Ayertey/Ghanadistricts.com

The programme was officially launched by the Sekyere Central District Health Directorate in a ceremony attended by traditional authorities, health professionals, security agencies, development partners and members of the public.

Addressing participants, the District Director of Health Services, Madam Susana Nkrumah, described the initiative as a transformative intervention designed to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied access to basic healthcare services because of financial difficulties.

She noted that Sekyere Central's selection as a pilot district represents both a privilege and a responsibility, expressing confidence in the district's ability to serve as a model for the nationwide implementation of the programme.

According to Madam Nkrumah, the first phase of the initiative will focus on preventive healthcare services for residents aged 18 years and above. Beneficiaries will receive free annual health screenings, including blood pressure and blood glucose tests, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, breast cancer screening, mental health assessments and counselling on non-communicable diseases.

She added that children and adolescents would also benefit through school health programmes aimed at promoting early detection and healthy lifestyles among young people.

Clarifying misconceptions about the programme, Madam Nkrumah explained that the Free Primary Health Care Programme does not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but rather complements it.

While the new initiative focuses on prevention, health promotion and early disease detection, she said the NHIS will continue to provide coverage for treatment, referrals and other healthcare services. She therefore encouraged residents to maintain active NHIS membership while taking advantage of the free screening services.

Delivering the keynote address, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Somuah, described the programme as more than a healthcare intervention, calling it a bold national commitment to social justice, equity and human development.

He emphasized that access to quality healthcare is fundamental to national development, noting that a healthy population remains the foundation for economic growth, educational advancement and improved living standards.

The DCE observed that many citizens continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare due to financial constraints, geographical barriers and inadequate opportunities for early diagnosis. He said the programme has been designed to address these challenges and bring essential health services closer to the people.

Hon. Somuah particularly commended the programme's strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, which encourages individuals to seek medical attention before health conditions become severe and costly to treat.

He assured the Health Directorate of the Assembly's full support and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Authority, the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, development partners, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions toward the successful launch of the programme.

The launch marks a major milestone in Ghana's healthcare delivery system and positions Sekyere Central District at the forefront of a national effort to make quality primary healthcare accessible, affordable and available to all citizens.

HEALTH

Sekyere Central Chosen for Landmark Free Primary Health Care Programme Pilot

Date Created : 6/19/2026 : Story Author : Mary Ayertey/Ghanadistricts.com

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