The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that government will establish more than 350 container-based health service points in high-traffic areas such as markets and lorry parks under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13, 2026, he said the initiative is designed to bring healthcare closer to the people and improve access to essential services nationwide.
He explained that the policy will ensure that anyone who visits a primary health facility receives a broad range of services, including routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions, as well as cancer screening. Maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, immunisation and child growth monitoring will also be provided.
According to him, the programme will also include health promotion services such as counselling on non-communicable diseases, family planning, safe water practices and menstrual hygiene, alongside treatment for common illnesses including malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections.
The Minister added that basic emergency care, counselling and referral services will form part of the package, noting that about 80 per cent of Ghana’s health needs can be managed at the primary healthcare level.
He said citizens will be able to access care at nearby CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics, while health workers will also undertake outreach activities and home visits.
“At the facility, patients will not only be treated for immediate concerns but will also be routinely screened for conditions that often go undetected,” he said.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh further indicated that more serious cases will be referred to higher-level facilities, with follow-up care provided in communities to ensure continuity of treatment.
He explained that the policy marks a shift from reactive healthcare to preventive care, where health workers actively engage communities rather than waiting for patients to fall seriously ill.
On implementation, he said the programme will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2028, starting with 150 underserved districts before expanding nationwide.
He also disclosed that government has procured more than 24,000 medical equipment items, including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds and ultrasound machines, to support the initiative.
“In the coming months, Ghanaians will see this transformation as equipment is distributed, community engagement is intensified and service delivery points are established,” he said.
He urged the public to take full advantage of the services and use them responsibly to improve health outcomes across the country.
